Armed Forces have taken control of the Turkish government
ANKARA, Turkey – A Turkish news agency has published a statement from the military saying the armed forces have “fully seized control” of the country.
The Dogan agency reported that the statement said that the military did this “to reinstall the constitutional order, democracy, human rights and freedoms, to ensure that the rule of law once again reigns in the country, for the law and order to be reinstated.”
The military statement went on to say that “all international agreements and commitments will remain. We pledge that good relations with all world countries will continue.”
Meantime, conflicting reports are coming from the Turkish government.
Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told NTV television: “it is correct that there was an attempt,” when asked if there was a coup.
Yildirim didn’t provide details, but said Turkey would never allow any “initiative that would interrupt democracy.”
“We are focusing on the possibility of an attempt (coup),” Yildirim said. “There was an illegal act by a group within the military that was acting out of the chain of military command. Our people should know that we will not allow any activity that would harm democracy.”
Earlier, military jets were heard flying over the capital, Ankara. Media reports said ambulances were seen in front of the Turkey’s military headquarters.
The Dogan news agency says one-way traffic on the Bosporus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges were blocked. Video footage showed the bridge being blocked by military vehicles.
The Turkish military has issued statements, which have been published in some Turkish media, and not others, and reported by the Reuters news agency, claiming it has “fully seized control of Turkey” to maintain democratic order, that rule of law must remain a priority and international relations must remain. The statements have not been distributed through regular web channels.
There is no independent verification of either claim and it is unclear who is in charge in Turkey.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters in Moscow that he has been given reports about what is going on. “I don’t have any details. I hope there will be peace, stability and continuity in Turkey,” he said.
One tweet showed a military jet flying extremely low over the capital Ankara.
Video from France 24 is being used in this story.
