An army group in Turkey has said it has taken control of the country, with bridges closed in Istanbul and aircraft flying low over Ankara, shortly after, the Prime Minister of Turkey said on Friday night that factions of the military had attempted a coup.
“This is a mutiny attempt; we will not let it win,” Yildirim was quoted as saying.
Yildirim told NTV television by telephone: “Some people illegally undertook an illegal action outside of the chain of command,” and added, “Those who are in this illegal act will pay the highest price.”
“Our people should know that we will not allow any activity that would harm democracy,” BBC quoted him as saying.
His statement came after Turkey’s gendarmerie closed the two bridges that connect Istanbul’s Asian and European parts over the Bosphorus Strait, Xinhua news agency reported.
Fighter jets were reportedly flying low and tanks were seen on the bridges, according to CNNTurk.
There are also reports of gunshots in the capital Ankara.
CNN Turk reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was “safe” but did not elaborate.
A statement from the military group read out on NTV television said: “The power in the country has been seized in its entirety.” Who represents the group remains uncertain.
–IANs