Military Coup Underway In Turkey

July 15th, 2016

Awake Goy

There are reports that a military coup is currently underway in Turkey.

The Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that Turkish soldiers have blocked both bridges on the Bosphorus in Istanbul while gunfire has been heard and jets and helicopters are reportedly flying low in the country’s capital Ankara.

Right now in the skies of #Ankara, fighter jets flying low. Please let this be some sort of training, I’m scared. pic.twitter.com/GBOIZL1sNZ

— Marina Lourenço (@lourenco_marina) July 15, 2016

A statement issued by the Turkish military reads:

“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.”

Haaretz reports:

Yildirim reportedly said that the actions are only being taken by part of the military, adding that security forces are doing what is necessary to resolve the situation.

NTV also showed footage at tanks at the entrance of Istanbul’s Ataturk airport.

Gunshots were heard in the Turkish capital of Ankara on Friday, a Reuters witness said, as military jets and helicopters were seen flying overhead.

Turkish soldiers block both bridges on the Bosphorus in Istanbul and jets flying low in Ankara. Reason not clear yet pic.twitter.com/tMG7KKYvGh

— Selin Girit (@selingirit) July 15, 2016

Reuters witnesses in Istanbul, Turkey’s biggest city, also spotted military jets and helicopters overhead, as well as tanks in the streets.

Broadcaster NTV reported that both of Istanbul’s bridges across the Bosphorus, the strait separating the European and Asian sides of the city, had been closed to traffic.

Users on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter were reporting difficulties in accessing the platforms.

Turkish PM Yıldırım talks to NTV: We’re considering it as an uprising attempt, we will not allow it to succeed.

— Yunus Emre Oruç (@defusertt) July 15, 2016

MORE: Turkish military says all existing foreign relations will continue, rule of law must remain priority

— Reuters World (@ReutersWorld) July 15, 2016