Members of Turkey’s Armed Forces have seized power in the country after soldiers took control of critical positions in Istanbul and Ankara late on 15 July, issuing a statement on state broadcaster TRT that it would soon produce a new constitution
Members of Turkey’s Armed Forces have seized power in the country after soldiers took control of critical positions in Istanbul and Ankara late on 15 July, issuing a statement on state broadcaster TRT that it would soon produce a new constitution
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called on supporters of the government to hit the streets in protest at what Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım earlier called an “attempted coup.” Erdoğan addressed the nation with the help of news presenters who held up his FaceTime call from an unknown location to the camera. Erdoğan promised that the coup plotters would be given the necessary response.
Erdoğan blamed a “minority group” tied to the Gülen movement, an erstwhile ally of the government, within the Armed Forces of attempting the coup.
Earlier, a group of soldiers calling itself the “Peace in the Country Council” issued a statement on TRT announcing the takeover the power and declaring a curfew.
One person was reportedly wounded when people opened fire from inside the TRT building that had been occupied by the group.
“This attempt will not be tolerated. Those doing this will pay the heaviest price,” Yıldırım told the broadcaster NTV late on 15 July.
“There are groups in certain areas who are irresponsibly taking vehicles and weapons entrusted to the state, and attempting to force citizens down onto the ground,” Yıldırım said.
Earlier in the evening, soldiers closed down access to both of Istanbul’s main bridges, telling motorists to go home.
There were also reports of gunfire in Ankara, according to Reuters, while state news agency said the Chief of the General Staff, Gen. Hulusi Akar, had been “taken hostage.”
NTV also reported that the Turkish Armed Forces had issued a statement saying that “it had seized control,” but the claim could not be verified. The Armed Forces’ website, www.tsk.tr, could not be opened. The Defense Ministry subsequently said the statement was illegitimate.
Tanks also blocked off access to Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Europe’s third busiest airport, while soldiers also took control of Istanbul’s Taksim Square, the most iconic public space in the country.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been reported safe, according to Reuters. Anadolu Agency said Erdoğan was heading toward Atatürk Airport.
The National Police Department has ordered all units into action.
Sendika.Org
