Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has responded to reports of gunfire in the country’s capital by admitting that a military coup has been attempt.
The PM has described the ongoing events as an “illegal attempt to seize power”, according to the Daily Telegraph, while reports from the country suggest he has specifically held “part of the military” responsible.
He has reportedly stated on national television that the coup will not be allowed to succeed.
https://twitter.com/MustafaEdib/status/754043894220910593
#BREAKING Turkish PM says the attempt doesn't amount a military coup but there are some groups in military behaving irresponsibly
— Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) July 15, 2016
There have been as-yet-unconfirmed reports of a nation-wide shutdown of social media, with multiple people claiming Turkish citizens have been unable to access Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, among other platforms.
According to a Reuters witness, military jets and helicopters have been heard flying over Turkey’s capital, Ankara, where gunfire has also been heard, while helicopters were also reported by eye-witnesses in Istanbul.
Reports have since emerged that Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport has been seized by the country’s military.
https://twitter.com/pzf/status/754048158028664832
This is a developing story and we will attempt to provide updates as and when they arrive.
At this stage, much of the information which has surfaced is unconfirmed, but journalists and eyewitnesses with access to events in Ankara and Istanbul are sharing information where possible.
What we know so far:
– Military attempted a coup
– Govt claims it's failed
– Police to counter uprising
– Increased mil activity on streets— Mahir Zeynalov (@MahirZeynalov) July 15, 2016
