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Turkey coup attempt: military claims takeover of government – live Turkey coup attempt: military claims government takeover – live updates
(35 minutes later)
10.41pm BST
22:41
The Foreign office has advised British citizens in Turkey to avoid public places and remain vigilant until the situation there becomes clearer. A statement read: “we are concerned by events unfolding in Ankara and Istanbul.”
10.39pm BST
22:39
Access was restricted in Turkey on Friday to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube shortly after news broke that the military coup was under way, according to two internet monitoring groups.
Reuters reported that Turkey Blocks, a group that monitors internet shutdowns in the country, and Dyn, which monitors internet performance and traffic globally, both said it was difficult or impossible to access social media services in Turkey.
The Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has previously restricted access to some social media platforms.
10.37pm BST
22:37
The Turkish state broadcaster TRT has now gone off air, say the Reuters news agency and sources in Turkey.
10.29pm BST
22:29
The Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said that the coup is the work of a minority within the military.
Speaking to CNN Turk, he adds: “We will overcome this.”
Updated
at 10.30pm BST
10.27pm BST
22:27
My colleague Ghaith Abdul-Ahad is in Istanbul. He reports that there is chaos on the main thoroughfare Istiklal, with people running in all directions.
Restaurants and shops are closing, somtehing is happening on Taksim Square and Tarlabashi Boulevard seems to be closed.
Cars are honking their horns and driving on the wrong side of the road. A lot of people are walking from the direction of Taksim. There is a sense of agitation, with people checking their phones or listening to the radio.
10.26pm BST
22:26
UPDATE —Turkish citizens reacting to coup attempt begin pouring onto streets across Turkey https://t.co/1JCtBz38UR pic.twitter.com/RsFSh5krAT
10.25pm BST
22:25
More details from the statement read out on the state broadcaster TRT at the behest of the military faction that seems to be behind the coup: It says that the freedom of Turkish citizens is guaranteed by what is referred to as a “peace council”, regardless of religion, race or language.
It says the Peace Council will not allow public order to be damaged.
It is worth remembering at this point that the Turkish government still claims to be in charge.
An EU source monitoring events has told Reuters that military forces have control of airports and strategic points in Istanbul.
10.22pm BST
22:22
Updated
at 10.23pm BST
10.20pm BST
22:20
The White House says President Obama is aware of the developments in Turkey and will receive regular updates.
10.19pm BST
22:19
Turkish military broadcasts on state TV amid coup reports
An announcement on the Turkish state broadcaster TRT says that a curfew has been declared across Turkey and that airports are closed. The announcer says they are being made to read a statement by the military.
The statement promises a new constitution for the country and says that democracy and the secular rule of law had been undermined. Martial law has also been imposed, it adds.
10.18pm BST
22:18
#Breaking :Civilians rush to withdraw money from ATM machines in #Turkey as military attempts coup via @RudawEnglish pic.twitter.com/iuARIMMgbj
Updated
at 10.19pm BST
10.14pm BST
22:14
The head of the Istanbul branch of Turkey’s ruling AK party says soldiers entered the party building and asked them to leave, CNN Turk reports.
10.13pm BST
22:13
Confirming media reports of gunshots & possible attempted uprising in #Turkey. Remain vigilant.
US citizens in #Turkey: please contact family & friends to let them know you are safe.
France’s foreign ministry has also advised its citizens in Turkey to stay indoors.
Updated
at 10.14pm BST
10.04pm BST10.04pm BST
22:0422:04
The US secretary of state John Kerry says he hopes there will be peace, stability and unity within Turkey amid reports that a military coup is underway.The US secretary of state John Kerry says he hopes there will be peace, stability and unity within Turkey amid reports that a military coup is underway.
10.02pm BST10.02pm BST
22:0222:02
Soldiers are inside the buildings of the Turkish state broadcaster TRT in the country’s capital Ankara, a correspondent for that outlet tells the Reuters news agency.Soldiers are inside the buildings of the Turkish state broadcaster TRT in the country’s capital Ankara, a correspondent for that outlet tells the Reuters news agency.
10.01pm BST10.01pm BST
22:0122:01
We understand that the Turkish president is due to make a statement shortly.We understand that the Turkish president is due to make a statement shortly.
10.00pm BST10.00pm BST
22:0022:00
Alan YuhasAlan Yuhas
The full Turkish military statement reads: “Turkish Armed Forces have completely taken over the administration of the country to reinstate constitutional order, human rights and freedoms, the rule of law and general security that was damaged.The full Turkish military statement reads: “Turkish Armed Forces have completely taken over the administration of the country to reinstate constitutional order, human rights and freedoms, the rule of law and general security that was damaged.
“All international agreements are still valid. We hope that all of our good relationships with all countries will continue.”“All international agreements are still valid. We hope that all of our good relationships with all countries will continue.”
The Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is on holiday and outside the country. Reuters has quoted a source within his office as saying that he is safe.The Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is on holiday and outside the country. Reuters has quoted a source within his office as saying that he is safe.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.08pm BSTat 10.08pm BST
9.53pm BST9.53pm BST
21:5321:53
There are numerous reports that hostages have been taken in the Turkish capital, Ankara. CNN Turk say they’re being held at a military HQ there.There are numerous reports that hostages have been taken in the Turkish capital, Ankara. CNN Turk say they’re being held at a military HQ there.
The state-run Anadolu press agency says the chief of military staff is among those being held.The state-run Anadolu press agency says the chief of military staff is among those being held.
9.51pm BST
21:51
Patrick Kingsley
Presidential sources say: “This is an attack against Turkish democracy. A group within the armed forces has made an attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government outside the chain of command.
“The statement made on behalf of the Armed Forces wasn’t authorised by the military command. We urge the world to stand in solidarity with the Turkish people.”
9.46pm BST
21:46
Some more detail on the statement said to come from Turkey’s armed forces. They have reportedly said in emails reported on Turkish TV that they have taken power to protect the democratic order and to maintain human rights.
They added that all of Turkey’s existing foreign relations would be maintained and that the rule of law would remain the priority. The Guardian has not seen the correspondence and, therefore, can yet verify where it has come from or on behalf of whom - exactly - it was sent.
9.39pm BST
21:39
Patrick Kingsley
Komutanin soyledikleri...darbe kesin.#darbe #kopru pic.twitter.com/ZBeh6hZmut
A solider in Istanbul has been filmed saying “it’s a coup, go home.”
9.31pm BST
21:31
The Associated Press is now carrying fuller quotes from the Turkish prime minister’s interview with NTV.
Having confirmed his belief that an attempted coup was underway, Yıldırım said: “We are focusing on the possibility of an attempt [coup]. 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.”
The Dogan news agency said one-way traffic on the Bosporus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges were blocked. Video footage showed the bridge being blocked by military vehicles.
Updated
at 9.38pm BST
9.28pm BST
21:28
Military claims takeover of Turkey
The Turkish military says in a statement that it has taken over, according to Reuters.
Related: Turkey PM says attempted coup under way by military group
Updated
at 9.32pm BST
9.22pm BST
21:22
The Guardian has heard reports that the UN has emailed staff, saying a coup attempt is underway.
9.18pm BST
21:18
According to the Associated Press, Yıldırım, who was speaking to the local TV station NTV, said: “It is correct that there was an attempt.” He provided no further details but said Turkey would never allow any “initiative that would interrupt democracy”.
Updated
at 9.27pm BST
9.16pm BST
21:16
Yıldırım says those responsible for what he has called an attempted military coup will pay the highest price.
Updated
at 9.28pm BST
9.11pm BST
21:11
A witness in the country’s capital told Reuters that gunshots were heard as military jets and helicopters were seen flying overhead. Witnesses in Istanbul, Turkey’s biggest city, also spotted helicopters overhead, the agency reported.
The local broadcaster NTV reported that both of Istanbul’s bridges across the Bosphorus, the strait separating the European and Asian sides of the city, had been closed to traffic. It was not immediately clear if the events were related.
9.09pm BST
21:09
The Turkish prime minister Binali Yıldırım says that an attempted coup by parts of the military has been launched, according to Reuters. He reportedly added that security forces were doing what they could to resolve the situation.
Updated
at 9.26pm BST