Military group attempts coup in Turkey: PM
Ankara, July 16 (IANS) An army group in Turkey has said it has taken control of the country, with bridges closed in Istanbul and aircraft flying low over Ankara, shortly after, the Prime Minister of Turkey said on Friday night that factions of the military had attempted a coup.
“This is a mutiny attempt; we will not let it win,” Yildirim was quoted as saying.
Yildirim told NTV television by telephone: “Some people illegally undertook an illegal action outside of the chain of command,” and added, “Those who are in this illegal act will pay the highest price.”
“Our people should know that we will not allow any activity that would harm democracy,” BBC quoted him as saying.
His statement came after Turkey’s gendarmerie closed the two bridges that connect Istanbul’s Asian and European parts over the Bosphorus Strait, Xinhua news agency reported.
Fighter jets were reportedly flying low and tanks were seen on the bridges, according to CNNTurk.
There are also reports of gunshots in the capital Ankara.
CNN Turk reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was “safe” but did not elaborate.
A statement from the military group read out on NTV television said: “The power in the country has been seized in its entirety.” Who represents the group remains uncertain.
Military group attempts coup in Turkey: PM
Anakar, July 16 (IANS) Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has said that Turkey is facing an uprising attempt from inside the army, with the state-run Anadolu Agency reporting that Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar is being kept as a hostage with a group, Hurriyet Daily News online reported on Friday.
An army group in Turkey has said it has taken control of the country, BBC reported.
A statement from the military group read out on NTV television said: “The power in the country has been seized in its entirety.” Who represents the group remains uncertain.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to make a statement, broadcaster CNNTürk said.
A CNNTürk reporter said a helicopter shoot on the General Staff headquarters in Ankara.
CNNTürk reported that two busses full of soldiers entered the headquarters of the state-run TRT in Ankara. Channels started to broadcast wheather forecast only.
“This cannot be called a coup for the moment. This is an uprising,” PM Yildirim said. The security forces are in action against this he said, in phone call to broadcaster NTV.
We will punish it the hardest way,” Hurriyet Daily News online quoted him as saying.
“No clashes have been reported yet but it is normal to take all measures,” Yildirim said.
“Our security forces will use force against force,” he said.
The head of the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) said on broadcaster CNNTürk on the phone that a group of soldiers were trying to take them out of the building.
He called on citizen to hit the streets against the attempt, similar to pro-governnment papers on their websites.
Ambulances await in front of the General in Staff headquarters in Ankara, as entrance to the building is denied.
Atatürk Airport has been closed to traffic, with tanks waiting in front of it.
A number of armoured vehicles have cut a main road in Istanbul, where the Istanbul police headquarters is located.
Gendarmerie, a military force charged with police duties among civilian populations, has blocked entrances to bridges in Istanbul from the Anatolian to the European side of the city on July 15.
Reports said an explosion was heard in Ankara’s Gölbasi district.
Dogan News Agency reported that police in Ankara called personnel to office.
Indian embassy in Turkey asks Indians to remain indoors
Ankara/New Delhi, July 16 (IANS) The Indian embassy in Turkey has advised all Indians in Turkey to avoid public places and remain indoors until the situation there becoms clearer in view of a military coup. It has also provided emergency help contact numbers.
“Our Embassy in Ankara advises Indian nationals in Turkey to avoid public places and remain indoors until the situation there becomes clearer,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.
The Emergency contact numbers for Indian nationals:
In Ankara: +905303142203
In Istanbul: +905305671095.
The Turkish military late on Friday night released a statement claiming to have taken over and martial law has been imposed.