Turkish army stage coup attempt against government

TURKEY’s president last night urged citizens to take to the streets in a show of support for the government after the military said it seized full control of the country.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking to CNN-Turk through FaceTime, called the actions by the military “an attempt at an uprising by a minority within our armed forces”.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim later said the situation was largely under control.

Erdogan making a statement through Facetime. Says the military coup will be thwarted. Perpetrators will be punished. pic.twitter.com/d5dmVfMMV8

— Mahir Zeynalov (@MahirZeynalov) July 15, 2016

Loud explosions were heard in Turkey’s capital Ankara and CNN-Turk reported an explosion at the state-run television building.

17 police officers were killed in helicopter attack on police special forces headquarters in outskirts of Ankara, AP reports.

Turkish fighter jets shot down a military helicopter over the capital Ankara that was being used by plotters attempting a coup, broadcaster NTV said on Saturday.

Turkey’s state-run news agency said military helicopters had also attacked the headquarters of TURKSAT satellite station on the outskirts of Ankara and the Ankara police headquarters.

Dozen of tanks were seen moving towards a palace that is now used by the prime minister and deputy prime ministers.

A civilian car tried to stop one of the tanks, but it rammed through the vehicle as those in the car escaped.

The White House said President Barack Obama had been briefed on developments in the key Nato ally.

The National Security Council said Obama had been apprised the “unfolding situation” in Turkey and would continue to get regular updates.

US secretary of state John Kerry says he hoped for stability and continuity in Turkey following the reports.

Standing up to the tanks. pic.twitter.com/FGWbcuJt0X

— Roni Margulies (@RoniMargulies) July 15, 2016

AFP photographer says Turkey military has opened fire on crowds gathered at Istanbul bridge https://t.co/RY1FWel2ka pic.twitter.com/q968SYRJVk

— AFP news agency (@AFP) July 15, 2016

Mr Kerry, in Moscow for talks with Russian officials on Syria, said he did not have details of the situation rapidly unfolding on the ground in Turkey and said it would be “inappropriate” to comment on developments.

But he expressed hope that the key ally and strategically important member of the coalition fighting the Islamic State would remain at peace.

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