An army group in Turkey says it has taken control of the country, with bridges closed in Istanbul and aircraft flying low over Ankara. PM 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.
Traffic has been stopped from crossing both the Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges in Istanbul. There are reports of gunshots in the capital Ankara. Gunfire was also heard outside Istanbul police HQ and tanks are said to be stationed outside Istanbul airport. All flights are cancelled.
CNN Turk reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was “safe” but did not elaborate. Chief of staff taken hostage by group of soldiers attempting military coup, sources told Anadolu Agency.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said: ‘There is an uprising attempt from within the army. Those who are doing this will be punished in the hardest way.’ He added: ‘This is an insurgency against democracy and national will. We will not allow it. There will never be any compromise on democracy. The perpetrators will pay the heaviest price.’
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.
A Turkish presidential source told Reuters that the statement was not authorised by the military command.
Mr Yildirim told NTV by telephone: “We are working on the possibility of an attempt. We will not allow this attempt. He said: “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.”
There are reports Turkey’s top general has been taken hostage at the military HQ.
23:55 local time (21:55 BST)
Anadolu Agency reports that gunfire was heard at the Turkish General Staff HQ, with reports that a helicopter opened fire on people outside the complex.
00:45 local time
Anadolu Agency reports gunshots heard around Presidential Complex in Ankara, witnesses say military helicopters fired.
Anadolu reports military helicopters have also opened fired at the National Intelligence Service HQ – forces at the HQ fighting back.
President Erdogan: ‘I am calling on our nation. Let us gather at squares and airports. Let us give them the answer they deserve’
Erdogan: Chain of command [in army] definitely not working; completely suspended, violated; unfortunately we can speak of steps [attempt] by subordinates against superiors
Istanbul chief prosecutor has already launched a probe into coup attempt; says soldiers will be arrested as soon as they are seen.
Turkey’s main opposition leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, has taken a stand against a military coup attempt in Turkey: “This country was wracked with coups. We do not want to go through the same troubles”.
01:03 local time
Thousands of people react against uprising attempt from a small group within the army in Bolu, Turkey on July 15, 2016.
Video appears to show shots fired from helicopter in Ankara.
This is a developing story. This page will be updated frequently.
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