‘Military coup’ in Turkey
Army announces on television a ‘peace council’ now runs the state
A MILITARY group in Turkey claims it has taken control of the country, with reports that all airports in the country were closed.
Prime minister Binali Yildirim earlier denounced an “illegal action” by a military “group”, stressing it was not a coup. He said that the government remained in charge.
After military tanks were seen in the streets of Istanbul, soldiers were spotted in the headquarters of the state TV channel TRT in the capital Ankara.
It subsequently broadcast that the country was now under the control of a “peace council” that would ensure the safety of the population.
A Turkish military statement read: “Turkish armed forces have completely taken over the administration of the country to reinstate constitutional order, human rights and freedoms, the rule of law and general security that was damaged.
“All international agreements are still valid. We hope that all of our good relationships with all countries will continue.”
The TRT broadcast stated that democratic and secular rule of law had been eroded by president Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government.
The announcement on TRT said that a curfew had been declared across Turkey and that airports were closed. The announcer said they were being made to read a statement by the military.
The statement promised a new constitution for the country and said that democracy and the secular rule of law had been undermined. Martial law had also been imposed, it added.
There were reports Turkey’s top general had been taken hostage at the military HQ. Presidential sources said: “This is an attack against Turkish democracy. A group within the armed forces has made an attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government outside the chain of command.
“The statement made on behalf of the armed forces was not authorised by the military command. We urge the world to stand in solidarity with the Turkish people.”
Traffic had earlier been stopped from crossing both the Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges in Istanbul.
There were also reports of gunshots in the capital Ankara.
Turkey’s prime minister earlier confirmed the coup attempt, but did not provide details.
He said Turkey would never allow any “initiative that would interrupt democracy”.
Mr Yildirim added: “There was an illegal act by a group within the military that was acting out of the chain of military command. Our people should know that we will not allow any activity that would harm democracy.”
The Dogan news agency said one-way traffic on the Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges were blocked. Video footage showed the bridge being blocked by military vehicles.
Earlier, military jets were heard flying over the capital, Ankara.
Media reports said ambulances were seen in front of Turkey’s military headquarters.
Visiting Moscow, US Secretary of State John Kerry said he hoped for peace and “continuity” in Turkey.