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Turkey coup attempt: Erdoğan calls military uprising 'treason' – live updates Turkey coup attempt: Erdoğan calls military uprising 'treason' – live updates
(35 minutes later)
3.57am BST
03:57
Turkey closes border to Bulgaria
Bulgaria is boosting patrols along the border with Turkey, as Turkey has closed border crossings, Reuters reports:
The foreign ministry appealed to Bulgarians to cancel their travel plans to Turkey.
“We are following what is happening at our neighbours with concern,” prime minister Boiko Borisov told reporters at an emergency meeting with the defence and foreign ministers, as well as intelligence and security officials.
“Let’s hope it will regularise in a lawful and democratic manner … There are ways to topple a government and that in the democratic world happens through elections,” he said.
Bulgarian foreign minister Daniel Mitov spoke on the telephone with his Turkish counterpart and contacts were made by the special services, Borisov added.
The border crossings with Turkey on the Bulgarian side are open. A witness told private national BTV channel that entrance at Kapikule border crossing into Turkey is allowed, but exit towards Bulgaria is not and several cars with Bulgarians were blocked on Turkish territory.
Bulgaria has built a fence at its border with Turkey as part of its attempts to limit illegal crossings of migrants from conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.
“The border crossings from the Turkish side are closed. We have beefed up the border with border police officers and army units,” Borisov said.
3.50am BST
03:50
International reaction
US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton says:
I am following the fast-moving developments in Turkey tonight with great concern. We should all urge calm and respect for laws, institutions, and basic human rights and freedoms – and support for the democratically elected civilian government.
All parties should work to avoid further violence and bloodshed, and the safety of American citizens and diplomatic missions must be ensured.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau says:
We call for restraint by all parties. Canada supports the preservation of Turkish democracy, and condemns any attempt to subvert Turkey’s democratic institutions by force of arms.
3.44am BST
03:44
At least 42 killed in Ankara
We have more information on those killed in Ankara overnight.
The prosecutor’s office says most of the 42 people who died were civilians.
Seventeen of the dead were police officers.
In addition, a senior Turkish official says 13 soldiers who tried to storm the presidential palace have been arrested.
Updated
at 3.46am BST
3.38am BST
03:38
Ömer Çelik, Turkey’s minister for EU affairs, has tweeted these images of the parliament building as dawn breaks in the country:
Bugün YÜCE MECLİS'e saldıranlar hainlere ders verme günüdür.. pic.twitter.com/OOqS3qvRC3
It was earlier reported that a number of police officers were killed in an explosion at a building in the parliament complex.
3.35am BST
03:35
Turkey’s NTV television has cited the prosecutor’s office in Ankara saying that at least 42 people have been killed in the capital overnight.
This has not been confirmed and it’s not known at this stage whether those killed include military personnel involved in the coup, protesters who were urged to come on to the streets, or police officers who were reportedly hit in the explosion at the parliament building.
3.29am BST
03:29
It’s still very unclear what is happening in Ankara, where rebel soldiers are still said to be firing, and an explosion earlier hit the parliament building.
Images from the capital show many people – as well as tanks – on the streets in scenes of protest and chaos. There are also images of people who appear to be dead or injured; we will not publish those.
3.18am BST3.18am BST
03:1803:18
Although it is evident from reports and images from Turkey that the situation is still extemely tense and unpredictable, prime minister Yildirim has told the state-run Anadolu news agency:Although it is evident from reports and images from Turkey that the situation is still extemely tense and unpredictable, prime minister Yildirim has told the state-run Anadolu news agency:
Things are getting better every minute.Things are getting better every minute.
Yildirim said people should remain in the streets to support the government.Yildirim said people should remain in the streets to support the government.
But he warned that some air force planes flown by those engaged in the coup remain in the air. Those aircraft will be shot down, Yildirim said.But he warned that some air force planes flown by those engaged in the coup remain in the air. Those aircraft will be shot down, Yildirim said.
3.11am BST3.11am BST
03:1103:11
The Turkish prime minister Binali Yildirim claims that those involved in the coup are now mostly under the control of military senior command – but that rebel soldiers are still firing in Istanbul and Ankara.The Turkish prime minister Binali Yildirim claims that those involved in the coup are now mostly under the control of military senior command – but that rebel soldiers are still firing in Istanbul and Ankara.
Yildirim says he has received reports that a general – one of those behind the coup – has been killed, and more than 130 others involved have been detained.Yildirim says he has received reports that a general – one of those behind the coup – has been killed, and more than 130 others involved have been detained.
3.05am BST3.05am BST
03:0503:05
Ban Ki-moon: 'Military interference is unacceptable'Ban Ki-moon: 'Military interference is unacceptable'
The UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has also weighed in to call for an end to the attempted coup. In a statement, Ban called for “calm, non-violence and restraint”, saying it was “a moment of uncertainty”:The UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has also weighed in to call for an end to the attempted coup. In a statement, Ban called for “calm, non-violence and restraint”, saying it was “a moment of uncertainty”:
Military interference in the affairs of any state is unacceptable.Military interference in the affairs of any state is unacceptable.
It will be crucial to quickly and peacefully affirm civilian rule and constitutional order in accordance with principles of democracy.It will be crucial to quickly and peacefully affirm civilian rule and constitutional order in accordance with principles of democracy.
Preservation of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and assembly, remain of vital importance.Preservation of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and assembly, remain of vital importance.
3.00am BST3.00am BST
03:0003:00
Turkey is not a member of the European Union, although it is seeking to be.Turkey is not a member of the European Union, although it is seeking to be.
Officials of the EU – the president of the European council, Donald Tusk; the president of the European commission, Jean-Claude Juncker; and the EU high representative for foreign affairs, Federica Mogherini – have issued a statement supporting the Turkish government tonight:Officials of the EU – the president of the European council, Donald Tusk; the president of the European commission, Jean-Claude Juncker; and the EU high representative for foreign affairs, Federica Mogherini – have issued a statement supporting the Turkish government tonight:
Turkey is a key partner for the European Union. The EU fully supports the democratically elected government, the institutions of the country and the rule of law.Turkey is a key partner for the European Union. The EU fully supports the democratically elected government, the institutions of the country and the rule of law.
We call for a swift return to Turkey’s constitutional order. We continue to follow closely the developments and to coordinate with the 28 EU member states.We call for a swift return to Turkey’s constitutional order. We continue to follow closely the developments and to coordinate with the 28 EU member states.
2.49am BST2.49am BST
02:4902:49
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
Reports coming out of Turkey remain conflicting and it will be some time before a clearer picture emerges of who – if anyone – is in control.Reports coming out of Turkey remain conflicting and it will be some time before a clearer picture emerges of who – if anyone – is in control.
Here is what we know and don’t know at this stage.Here is what we know and don’t know at this stage.
Those who are attempting a coup will not succeed … Our people should know that we will overcome this ... We are in control of the situation.Those who are attempting a coup will not succeed … Our people should know that we will overcome this ... We are in control of the situation.
2.47am BST2.47am BST
02:4702:47
President Erdoğan also said his general secretary was abducted by coup makers, according to the Associated Press. There was no information on the chief of military staff.President Erdoğan also said his general secretary was abducted by coup makers, according to the Associated Press. There was no information on the chief of military staff.
Meanwhile in Istanbul, an official with the president’s office said more than 50 military officers have been arrested and large crowds have carried out multiple citizen arrests, the AP reports.Meanwhile in Istanbul, an official with the president’s office said more than 50 military officers have been arrested and large crowds have carried out multiple citizen arrests, the AP reports.
2.35am BST2.35am BST
02:3502:35
President Erdoğan: Uprising was treasonPresident Erdoğan: Uprising was treason
Turkish’s elected president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has just spoken on live TV in Turkey (earlier, he delivered remarks via the highly unorthodox format of a FaceTime broadcast on a mobile phone shown to a CNN Turkey TV camera).Turkish’s elected president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has just spoken on live TV in Turkey (earlier, he delivered remarks via the highly unorthodox format of a FaceTime broadcast on a mobile phone shown to a CNN Turkey TV camera).
Erdoğan said the uprising was an act of “treason” and that those responsible will pay a “heavy price”, according to Reuters.Erdoğan said the uprising was an act of “treason” and that those responsible will pay a “heavy price”, according to Reuters.
The president also said the prime minister has given orders to “eradicate” those who are shooting from the air.The president also said the prime minister has given orders to “eradicate” those who are shooting from the air.
He further said the uprising was carried out by a “minority” within the military who can’t stomach unity of the country. Erdoğan said some in military have been taking orders from cleric Fethullah Gulen and that the attempted coup shows the Gulen structure is an armed terrorist organization. Gulen has denied involvement.He further said the uprising was carried out by a “minority” within the military who can’t stomach unity of the country. Erdoğan said some in military have been taking orders from cleric Fethullah Gulen and that the attempted coup shows the Gulen structure is an armed terrorist organization. Gulen has denied involvement.
According to Reuters’ translation, the president said he would not hand Turkey over to occupiers and said the cabinet is functioning in Ankara. Erdoğan further said he will stay “with my people”.According to Reuters’ translation, the president said he would not hand Turkey over to occupiers and said the cabinet is functioning in Ankara. Erdoğan further said he will stay “with my people”.
Biz, bu kutlu davaya başımızı koyduk. Bu darbe girişimi Allah'ın izniyle püskürtülecektir.Biz, bu kutlu davaya başımızı koyduk. Bu darbe girişimi Allah'ın izniyle püskürtülecektir.
2.21am BST2.21am BST
02:2102:21
Crowd gathers to greet presidentCrowd gathers to greet president
NTV television is now showing footage of large crowds gathering at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport to greet President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as he emerges from a vehicle upon landing, the Associated Press reports.NTV television is now showing footage of large crowds gathering at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport to greet President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as he emerges from a vehicle upon landing, the Associated Press reports.
BREAKING: Large crowds greet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as he emerges from a vehicle at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport.BREAKING: Large crowds greet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as he emerges from a vehicle at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport.
2.15am BST2.15am BST
02:1502:15
Explosions heard by Taksim Square - reportsExplosions heard by Taksim Square - reports
Paul LewisPaul Lewis
There are reports of sounds of explosions in or near Taksim Square, where crowds have been gathering in the heart of Istanbul throughout the night.There are reports of sounds of explosions in or near Taksim Square, where crowds have been gathering in the heart of Istanbul throughout the night.
It’s unclear if the blast sounds are explosions, sonic booms from fighter jets, or both.It’s unclear if the blast sounds are explosions, sonic booms from fighter jets, or both.
The AP reports two large explosions near the square where, the agency states, police and military have been exchanging fire.The AP reports two large explosions near the square where, the agency states, police and military have been exchanging fire.
LIVE UPDATES: Witnesses say two more explosions hit Turkish parliament. Latest -https://t.co/MDDQYoN1C5 pic.twitter.com/QCqSpm1yJtLIVE UPDATES: Witnesses say two more explosions hit Turkish parliament. Latest -https://t.co/MDDQYoN1C5 pic.twitter.com/QCqSpm1yJt
Shortly before, Reuters reported that around 30 Turkish soldiers who were part of a faction attempting to carry out the military coup surrendered their weapons after being surrounded by armed police.Shortly before, Reuters reported that around 30 Turkish soldiers who were part of a faction attempting to carry out the military coup surrendered their weapons after being surrounded by armed police.
The soldiers handed over their guns and were taken away in police vans as a fighter jet repeatedly screeched overhead at low altitude, causing a boom that shook surrounding buildings and shattered windows, Reuters reported.The soldiers handed over their guns and were taken away in police vans as a fighter jet repeatedly screeched overhead at low altitude, causing a boom that shook surrounding buildings and shattered windows, Reuters reported.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.17am BSTat 2.17am BST
2.02am BST2.02am BST
02:0202:02
Ghaith Abdul-AhadGhaith Abdul-Ahad
The Guardian’s Ghaith Abdul-Ahad has filed this report from Istanbul:The Guardian’s Ghaith Abdul-Ahad has filed this report from Istanbul:
As news of the attempted coup unfolded, chaos and panic erupted in Istiklal, Istanbul’s main pedestrian thoroughfare. People ran in different directions, some away from the street and some into the streets. Restaurant owners gathered tables inside and pulled down shutters.In Taksim sqaure at one end of Istiklal – where the country’s coups were made and unmade in the past 50 years – a group of soldiers, young in green helmets, rifles and military fatigues, stood blocking the square.As news of the attempted coup unfolded, chaos and panic erupted in Istiklal, Istanbul’s main pedestrian thoroughfare. People ran in different directions, some away from the street and some into the streets. Restaurant owners gathered tables inside and pulled down shutters.In Taksim sqaure at one end of Istiklal – where the country’s coups were made and unmade in the past 50 years – a group of soldiers, young in green helmets, rifles and military fatigues, stood blocking the square.
Mohamad, a 30-year-old office worker, stood watching the soldiers, dressed in a white shirt and blue slacks. “Turkey has regressed in the past few years under [president] Erdoğan, and the army came out to restore the balance that’s the traditional role of the army here.”Mohamad, a 30-year-old office worker, stood watching the soldiers, dressed in a white shirt and blue slacks. “Turkey has regressed in the past few years under [president] Erdoğan, and the army came out to restore the balance that’s the traditional role of the army here.”
Gradually, another crowd opposed to the army gathered, pushing to the centre of the square, chanting “Army get out” and “no for the coup”. A shouting match between the two sides followed, and soon after the president called for his supporters to take to the streets, thousands flooded the square.Gradually, another crowd opposed to the army gathered, pushing to the centre of the square, chanting “Army get out” and “no for the coup”. A shouting match between the two sides followed, and soon after the president called for his supporters to take to the streets, thousands flooded the square.
“I don’t support Erdoğan, but I don’t want the military to take away our democracy,” said Najdat, a 50 year old government functionary. “We have seen them before, and we have waited for democracy for 30 years.”“I don’t support Erdoğan, but I don’t want the military to take away our democracy,” said Najdat, a 50 year old government functionary. “We have seen them before, and we have waited for democracy for 30 years.”
1.50am BST1.50am BST
01:5001:50
Soldiers enter CNN Türk studioSoldiers enter CNN Türk studio
A group of soldiers has landed in the Dogan Media Center where CNN Türk is based, the news station is now reporting.A group of soldiers has landed in the Dogan Media Center where CNN Türk is based, the news station is now reporting.
A Facebook Live video showed the chaos inside.A Facebook Live video showed the chaos inside.
BREAKING A group of soldiers landed in Dogan Media Center where @cnnturk is based. They have entered the studio. pic.twitter.com/D2QMF6s8XtBREAKING A group of soldiers landed in Dogan Media Center where @cnnturk is based. They have entered the studio. pic.twitter.com/D2QMF6s8Xt
BREAKING Coup plotters are ending @cnnturk's broadcast now. #TurkeyCoupAttempt pic.twitter.com/YFUrphgFbXBREAKING Coup plotters are ending @cnnturk's broadcast now. #TurkeyCoupAttempt pic.twitter.com/YFUrphgFbX
There are also reports of the Hurriyet Daily News facing soldiers. The CNN building is also home to Kanal D television, the Dogan news agency and the Hurriyet paper, according to the Associated Press.There are also reports of the Hurriyet Daily News facing soldiers. The CNN building is also home to Kanal D television, the Dogan news agency and the Hurriyet paper, according to the Associated Press.
A group of putschist soldiers are now raiding our newspaper. They are coming to my floor pic.twitter.com/1OPlb74tqeA group of putschist soldiers are now raiding our newspaper. They are coming to my floor pic.twitter.com/1OPlb74tqe
Sorry for the poor pic quality but it's hard when you are mass-arrested during a coup attempt... pic.twitter.com/TwUC6Yqi71Sorry for the poor pic quality but it's hard when you are mass-arrested during a coup attempt... pic.twitter.com/TwUC6Yqi71
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.53am BSTat 1.53am BST