A Turkish “military group” is claiming that they have taken the country from the national government, though Prime Minister Binali Yildirim claims the government is still in control, and the Turkish “sister site” of CNN reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is safe, according to Reuters.
“Power in the country has been seized in its entirety,” the army said in a statement on Turkey’s NTV station. The state broadcaster had been stormed by military, and it has been reported that staff there have had their phones confiscated.
One of the country’s top generals, Hulusi Akar, is allegedly being held hostage at the military’s HQ, and military vehicles are blocking at least two bridges in Istanbul, while jets have been seen flying over the Turkish capital of Ankara.
US State Dept. says there are reports that social media is blocked in Turkey; urges to use email, phone call, SMS to contact loved ones.
— NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) July 15, 2016
Tanks are seen in the streets. There are reports of clashes between the police and the army,” said British journalist Dorian Jones, based in Istanbul. He reported that police guarding the presidential palace have been disarmed.
“I have been speaking to various friends across the city, some are reporting that they are hearing gunfire in the streets,” Jones said.
The armed forces said in their statement that they have taken power in order to protect the democratic order of Turkey and to safeguard human rights.
Unverified info from The Guardian also reports that the armed forces have declared that all of Turkey’s diplomatic relations with foreign nations will be preserved, and that the rule of law will be maintained.
Originally written by Nathan Wellman and taken from usuncut.com
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