According to reports out of Turkey, a “group within” the country’s military is trying to overthrow the government, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The faction cited “democratic order” as the reason for the drastic action. The prime minister of the European/Asian nation is saying publicly that he won’t allow the attempt to succeed.
The revolutionary band has also, reportedly, taken control of Turkey’s public broadcast operation.
Picture of the militairy inside building Turkey's national broadcaster @trt #turkey #coup pic.twitter.com/XUSQ5FOdR1
— Lammert de Bruin (@lammert) July 15, 2016
This from The Atlantic:
As news broke about the coup attempt in Turkey, Secretary of State John Kerry said he was following updates.
“I don’t have any details at this time,” he said. “I hope there will be stability and peace and continuity within Turkey. But I have nothing to add with respect to what has transpired at this moment.”
UPDATE: These latest videos of the military’s presence (still unclear who’s in control of the forces) via Foxtrot Alpha:
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
Very low flying F-16 over Ankara pic.twitter.com/ytjWDRHuJK
— BM-21 GRAD (@bm21_grad) July 15, 2016
Confirmed: Twitter, Facebook & YouTube blocked in #Turkey at 10:50PM after apparent military uprising in #Turkey pic.twitter.com/J9ER5yOGYP
— Turkey Blocks (@TurkeyBlocks) July 15, 2016
SECOND UPDATE: The U.S. State Department just tweeted this:
Martial law and a curfew have been imposed in Turkey.
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) July 15, 2016
THIRD UPDATE: Turkey has restored order. The overthrow attempt was stomped. Now they’re picking up the pieces …
Turkey quashes coup; Erdogan vows 'heavy price' for plotters https://t.co/FDAdSEVSk7 pic.twitter.com/AdjImeHy3R
— Star Tribune (@StarTribune) July 16, 2016
Stay tuned to the blog for more on this developing story.