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Turkey coup: celebrations in Ankara as Erdoğan cracks down on insurgents - live Turkey coup attempt: Erdoğan demands US arrest exiled cleric Gülen – live
(35 minutes later)
7.09pm BST
19:09
Kareem Shaheen
People have started amassing in the streets and squares of Ankara, my colleague Kareem Shaheen reports from Kizilay Square, which is awash in waves of red Turkish flags.
There’s a carnival like atmosphere and a couple thousand protesters in Ankara’s Kizilay square, celebrating the coup’s defeat. Under towering portraits of President Erdogan that declare “we own democracy.”
Protesters are chanting “the martyrs will not die, the country won’t be divided,” “God is great,” and praising Erdogan amid music and jubilant flag waving. One chant said: “There is no left or right wing, only Ankara, the last castle.”
Ahmet, a 23-year-old protester, said he came to the demonstrations to stand alongside the elected president, saying he had also joined civilians who marched upon the presidential palace last night against the military.
“We are here together against it, and if they try a second time, we will stay here,” he said
A young couple who requested anonymity said they saw their presence as a defence of the homeland.
“They tried to divide our country,” said the man. “This is about our homeland and we will die for it, and they shot at us with their helicopters and their jets flew over our heads.”
The couple urged greater cooperation between Turkey’s political factions, saying the whole country was “one heart” in the immediate aftermath of the coup attempt.
7.01pm BST
19:01
Gülen rejects coup accusations
Amana Fontanella-Khan
In a rare interview with a small group of journalists at his residence in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, the reclusive Fethullah Gülen has told my colleague Amana Fontanella-Khan that he rejects all accusations that he was behind Friday’s coup attempt.
“I don’t believe that the world believes the accusations made by President Erdoğan,” Gülen said. “There is a possibility that it could be a staged coup and it could be meant for further accusations [against the Gulenists],” he said, a small prayer room, lined with woven rugs, decorated with Islamic calligraphy and leather bound religious books.
Gülen said he rejects all military interventions, and said he has personally suffered every time a coup has happened in Turkey in recent years. “Now that Turkey is on the path to democracy, it cannot turn back,” he said.
The last time the reclusive leader of the Gülen movement spoke live to international press was in 2014. Gülen rarely leaves the Golden Generation Worship and Retreat Center complex, where his movement offers religious instruction. The exiled imam is in fragile health. Before the interview he was attended to by a stethoscope-carrying physician who measured his blood pressure.
The sprawling compound is guarded by around the clock security. Following the news of the coup, Alp Aslandogan, the executive director of Alliance for Shared Values, and the media advisor to Gülen, said that security is on “high alert” following threats of violence on social media.
While Erdoğan is attempting to extradite Gülen for charges related to the coup Aslandogan said: “The US government position has always been that if there is any evidence of Mr Gulen breaking the laws, they will look into it.
“So far, the Turkish government hasn’t produced anything. Thank God, this is a country of laws, and we depend on that.”
Elaborating on the idea that Erdoğan may have staged a coup, Aslandogan noted Friday’s events did not match the pattern previous coups have followed: “The coup appears to be poorly planned, very poorly executed and everything seems to be paying into Erdogan’s hands.”
“There are many big question marks of how [this attempted coup] was executed,” he added.
Updated
at 7.02pm BST
6.53pm BST
18:53
The crowd shouts to Erdoğan that it wants the death penalty for coup plotters – the president responds by saying “these demands may be discussed in parliament”.
Turkey’s prime minister has already hinted that the country may reinstate the death penalty, fully abolished in 2004 under Erdoğan’s administration, may be restored.
Erdoğan pauses as minarets sound in the background. Then he declares: “the army is ours, not that of the parallel structure – I am the chief commander!”
He promises he will “clean out” coup supporters from the military and government.
Then Erdoğan again brings up Gülen, saying that the US should cooperate with his demands and that Turkey has extradited terrorists demanded by American officials. Once this “head of terror” is removed from exile, Erdoğan says, Turkey can have true change.
#BREAKING Erdoğan says those involved in coup attempt was a tumour inside military, they are being cleared pic.twitter.com/cMc5MG0fj1
6.39pm BST
18:39
Erdoğan calls on Obama to arrest Gülen
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is speaking from Istanbul, where he calls on Barack Obama to arrest cleric Fethullah Gülen or deport him to Turkey to face charges related to the coup.
He says that if the US and Turkey are truly strategic allies, then the American president will help Erdoğan with regard to the exiled imam, who lives in central Pennsylvania.
Erdoğan then says that the attempted coup was perpetrated by a minority within the army, but not the military in general. More than 2,800 service members have been arrested so far and there are reports of more arrests around Turkey. Erdoğan’s government has also removed more than 2,700 judges and prosecutors from duty.
#BREAKING Turkish President Erdoğan speaks live, calls U.S to hand over Fethullah Gulen to if U.S is strategic ally pic.twitter.com/N1hYKzuUBR
6.15pm BST6.15pm BST
18:1518:15
Kareem ShaheenKareem Shaheen
Calm fell on Ankara in the aftermath of chaos and battles with soldiers, my colleague Kareem Shaheen reports, but the city anticipates new demonstrations as night falls and the weather cools.Calm fell on Ankara in the aftermath of chaos and battles with soldiers, my colleague Kareem Shaheen reports, but the city anticipates new demonstrations as night falls and the weather cools.
Crowds are relatively thin and resting near the parliament and military headquarters in anticipation of the big demonstration later this evening. There are regular and plainclothes policemen in the central area who have established a security cordon around the parliament and the military headquarters, both of which were damaged in attacks during the coup.Crowds are relatively thin and resting near the parliament and military headquarters in anticipation of the big demonstration later this evening. There are regular and plainclothes policemen in the central area who have established a security cordon around the parliament and the military headquarters, both of which were damaged in attacks during the coup.
I witnessed a debate between two police officers and a group of civilians – one of the police officers was telling them the regular soldiers aren’t to blame because they were just following orders. But a woman who was debating them said she blamed them for opening fire on civilians and expressed outrage that they had taken such a step.As the group dispersed, one of the police officers said: “Let’s show them today how strong we are.”I witnessed a debate between two police officers and a group of civilians – one of the police officers was telling them the regular soldiers aren’t to blame because they were just following orders. But a woman who was debating them said she blamed them for opening fire on civilians and expressed outrage that they had taken such a step.As the group dispersed, one of the police officers said: “Let’s show them today how strong we are.”
6.07pm BST6.07pm BST
18:0718:07
American military flights have been halted at the Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey, according to the Pentagon.American military flights have been halted at the Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey, according to the Pentagon.
“The Turkish government has closed its airspace to military aircraft, and as a result air operations at Incirlik Air Base have been halted at this time,” spokesperson Peter Cook said in a statement.“The Turkish government has closed its airspace to military aircraft, and as a result air operations at Incirlik Air Base have been halted at this time,” spokesperson Peter Cook said in a statement.
“Officials are working with the Turks to resume air operations there as soon as possible. In the meantime, US Central Command is adjusting flight operations in the counter-ISIL campaign to minimize any effects on the campaign. US facilities at Incirlik are operating on internal power sources and a loss of commercial power to the base has not affected base operations.”“Officials are working with the Turks to resume air operations there as soon as possible. In the meantime, US Central Command is adjusting flight operations in the counter-ISIL campaign to minimize any effects on the campaign. US facilities at Incirlik are operating on internal power sources and a loss of commercial power to the base has not affected base operations.”
Turkey’s foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has said that coup plotters were at the air base and have been arrested, Reuters reports. Çavuşoğlu promised the anti-terror campaign will resume once anti-coup operations have ended.Turkey’s foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has said that coup plotters were at the air base and have been arrested, Reuters reports. Çavuşoğlu promised the anti-terror campaign will resume once anti-coup operations have ended.
He added that he’s spoken to US secretary of state John Kerry and stressed to him that the coup was launched by a network associated with exiled cleric Fethullah Gülen.He added that he’s spoken to US secretary of state John Kerry and stressed to him that the coup was launched by a network associated with exiled cleric Fethullah Gülen.
In 2015 Turkey agreed to let the US fly military strikes out of the base against jihadi militants in Syria and Iraq. Earlier on Saturday Kerry said that “as of this moment” Turkey’s coordination with the US on counter-terrorism was unchanged.In 2015 Turkey agreed to let the US fly military strikes out of the base against jihadi militants in Syria and Iraq. Earlier on Saturday Kerry said that “as of this moment” Turkey’s coordination with the US on counter-terrorism was unchanged.
“Turkey’s cooperation with us with our coutner-terrorism efforts, in our Nato obligations and in our regional efforts with respect to Syria and Isis have not been affected negatively,” he said. “All of that has continued as before.”“Turkey’s cooperation with us with our coutner-terrorism efforts, in our Nato obligations and in our regional efforts with respect to Syria and Isis have not been affected negatively,” he said. “All of that has continued as before.”
5.51pm BST5.51pm BST
17:5117:51
The White House does not know of any Americans killed or injured in clashes overnight in Turkey, according to a statement on Barack Obama’s latest briefing.The White House does not know of any Americans killed or injured in clashes overnight in Turkey, according to a statement on Barack Obama’s latest briefing.
In the statement Obama reiterates the need for continued coordination with Turkey, with which the US relies on for military and intelligence support and stemming the flow of refugees from Syria.In the statement Obama reiterates the need for continued coordination with Turkey, with which the US relies on for military and intelligence support and stemming the flow of refugees from Syria.
“The president this morning received an update from his national security and broader foreign policy team on the situation in Turkey. The president’s advisers apprised him of the most recent developments on the ground, and the president instructed his team to continue to work with their Turkish counterparts to maintain the safety and well-being of diplomatic missions and personnel, US servicemembers and their dependents.“The president this morning received an update from his national security and broader foreign policy team on the situation in Turkey. The president’s advisers apprised him of the most recent developments on the ground, and the president instructed his team to continue to work with their Turkish counterparts to maintain the safety and well-being of diplomatic missions and personnel, US servicemembers and their dependents.
“While we have no indications as of yet that Americans were killed or injured in the violence, the president and his team lamented the loss of life and registered the vital need for all parties in Turkey to act within the rule of law and to avoid actions that would lead to further violence or instability. The president also underscored the shared challenges that will require continued Turkish cooperation, including our joint efforts against terrorism.”“While we have no indications as of yet that Americans were killed or injured in the violence, the president and his team lamented the loss of life and registered the vital need for all parties in Turkey to act within the rule of law and to avoid actions that would lead to further violence or instability. The president also underscored the shared challenges that will require continued Turkish cooperation, including our joint efforts against terrorism.”
Related: Turkey coup attempt could destabilize ally in region reeling from terrorismRelated: Turkey coup attempt could destabilize ally in region reeling from terrorism
5.38pm BST5.38pm BST
17:3817:38
Turkey detains top general and judgeTurkey detains top general and judge
Turkish authorities have detained one of the military’s top generals and a member of the nation’s highest court, according to Anadolu news and CNN Türk.Turkish authorities have detained one of the military’s top generals and a member of the nation’s highest court, according to Anadolu news and CNN Türk.
Reuters has background on the officials:Reuters has background on the officials:
General Adem Huduti is the most senior officer to be apprehended so far following the attempted intervention that killed more than 160 people. The Second Army, based in Malatya, protects Turkey’s borders with Syria, Iraq and Iran.General Adem Huduti is the most senior officer to be apprehended so far following the attempted intervention that killed more than 160 people. The Second Army, based in Malatya, protects Turkey’s borders with Syria, Iraq and Iran.
Alparslan Altan is a member of the country’s top court and the most senior judicial figure among scores of civilians detained so far.Alparslan Altan is a member of the country’s top court and the most senior judicial figure among scores of civilians detained so far.
#Turkey BREAKING: government forces have arrested Adem Huduti who commands the 2nd Army pic.twitter.com/xNcrGJGE7n#Turkey BREAKING: government forces have arrested Adem Huduti who commands the 2nd Army pic.twitter.com/xNcrGJGE7n
5.05pm BST5.05pm BST
17:0517:05
What we knowWhat we know
Nearly 18 hours after Turkish tanks and soldiers first closed bridges in Istanbul and a group within the military declared itself in control to “to reinstall the constitutional order, democracy, human rights and freedoms”, the coup has failed and the backlash begun.Nearly 18 hours after Turkish tanks and soldiers first closed bridges in Istanbul and a group within the military declared itself in control to “to reinstall the constitutional order, democracy, human rights and freedoms”, the coup has failed and the backlash begun.
Related: 'It was like 1970s': how soldiers on the street tested Turkey's post-coup politicsRelated: 'It was like 1970s': how soldiers on the street tested Turkey's post-coup politics
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.28pm BSTat 6.28pm BST
4.30pm BST4.30pm BST
16:3016:30
PM Yildirim: any country with Gulen is an enemy of TurkeyPM Yildirim: any country with Gulen is an enemy of Turkey
Any country that stands by exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen will be considered an enemy of Turkey, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has said in remarks reported by Reuters.Any country that stands by exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen will be considered an enemy of Turkey, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has said in remarks reported by Reuters.
Yildirim and president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have accused Gulen, who lives at a remote compound in central Pennsylvania, of orchestrating the coup with a faction of the military. They have said that Gulen created a “parallel structure” within the courts, media and military.Yildirim and president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have accused Gulen, who lives at a remote compound in central Pennsylvania, of orchestrating the coup with a faction of the military. They have said that Gulen created a “parallel structure” within the courts, media and military.
Gulen has condemned “in the strongest terms the attempted military coup” and “categorically” denied any involvement. “Government should be won through a process of free and fair elections, not force,” he said in a statement.Gulen has condemned “in the strongest terms the attempted military coup” and “categorically” denied any involvement. “Government should be won through a process of free and fair elections, not force,” he said in a statement.
Speaking in parliament, Yildirim also said that he hopes Turkey’s political parties will be able to set aside their past enmity and have a “new start” together.Speaking in parliament, Yildirim also said that he hopes Turkey’s political parties will be able to set aside their past enmity and have a “new start” together.
American secretary of state John Kerry said earlier on Saturday that the US has not received any extradition request and would hear a petition. But he made clear that the US would require evidence of Gulen’s wrongdoing.American secretary of state John Kerry said earlier on Saturday that the US has not received any extradition request and would hear a petition. But he made clear that the US would require evidence of Gulen’s wrongdoing.
“I’m sure people will wonder about allegations of who may have instigated this and where support came from,” he said. “The United States will obviously be supportive of any legitimate investigative efforts and under due process and within the law, we will be completely supportive of efforts to assist the government if they so request.”“I’m sure people will wonder about allegations of who may have instigated this and where support came from,” he said. “The United States will obviously be supportive of any legitimate investigative efforts and under due process and within the law, we will be completely supportive of efforts to assist the government if they so request.”
Kerry added that he hopes: “that there will be a constitutional process, and a legal process, that will deal appropriately with coup-plotters.”Kerry added that he hopes: “that there will be a constitutional process, and a legal process, that will deal appropriately with coup-plotters.”
Related: Fethullah Gülen: who is the man Turkey's president blames for coup attempt?Related: Fethullah Gülen: who is the man Turkey's president blames for coup attempt?
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.22pm BSTat 6.22pm BST
4.16pm BST4.16pm BST
16:1616:16
In Ankara my colleague Kareem Shaheen is with the scores of people celebrating in the aftermath of the failed coup – he reports that police and the loyal military factions are preparing for more trouble later today, despite the joyous atmosphere.In Ankara my colleague Kareem Shaheen is with the scores of people celebrating in the aftermath of the failed coup – he reports that police and the loyal military factions are preparing for more trouble later today, despite the joyous atmosphere.
Carnival atmosphere in Ankara's Kizilay right now celebrating the coup's defeat pic.twitter.com/XjEXdyE0cFCarnival atmosphere in Ankara's Kizilay right now celebrating the coup's defeat pic.twitter.com/XjEXdyE0cF
Police cordon near damaged parliament and military HQ buildings in central Ankara pic.twitter.com/fjhFiLCHC7Police cordon near damaged parliament and military HQ buildings in central Ankara pic.twitter.com/fjhFiLCHC7
4.09pm BST4.09pm BST
16:0916:09
Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, said that the community should have a unified reaction to every coup attempt, according to the state-run news agency.Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, said that the community should have a unified reaction to every coup attempt, according to the state-run news agency.
Speaking to Turkey’s private news channel NTV, Kilicidaroglu took a stand against a military coup attempt, Anadolu agency.Speaking to Turkey’s private news channel NTV, Kilicidaroglu took a stand against a military coup attempt, Anadolu agency.
“Community should give joint reaction to every coup attempt,” he said.“Community should give joint reaction to every coup attempt,” he said.
“So, whoever does, wherever it comes, we should take a joint stand against the coup as we take a joint stand against terrorism.”“So, whoever does, wherever it comes, we should take a joint stand against the coup as we take a joint stand against terrorism.”
The head of the Turkish Nationalist Party (MHP) Devlet Bahceli made a telephone call to Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and said the attempted coup was not acceptable, according to a report from the Turkish state-run agency.The head of the Turkish Nationalist Party (MHP) Devlet Bahceli made a telephone call to Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and said the attempted coup was not acceptable, according to a report from the Turkish state-run agency.
According to a statement form the Turkish Prime Ministry, Bahceli said his party is in solidarity with Turkish Republic, Anadolu agency reports.According to a statement form the Turkish Prime Ministry, Bahceli said his party is in solidarity with Turkish Republic, Anadolu agency reports.
In a written statement, Bahceli said an attempt at suspending democracy and ignoring the national will is a big mistake against Turkey.In a written statement, Bahceli said an attempt at suspending democracy and ignoring the national will is a big mistake against Turkey.
“The price Turkey will pay will be considerably high in the event of a civil war in Turkey. As Turkish people, we need to be distant to all kinds of interventions risking our national unity and integrity,” he said.“The price Turkey will pay will be considerably high in the event of a civil war in Turkey. As Turkish people, we need to be distant to all kinds of interventions risking our national unity and integrity,” he said.
In a joint written statement, People’s Democratic Party (HDP) co-chairs, Selehattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, said: “HDP takes a stand against every coup in every condition.”In a joint written statement, People’s Democratic Party (HDP) co-chairs, Selehattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, said: “HDP takes a stand against every coup in every condition.”
“There is no way beside protecting the democratic politics,” it added.“There is no way beside protecting the democratic politics,” it added.
3.33pm BST
15:33
Hundreds of people waving Turkish flags have gathered outside of the parliament in Ankara to protest the coup attempt as legislators prepare to hold an emergency session, AP reports.
In an unprecedented show of unity, all four parties represented in parliament are expected to issue a joint declaration Saturday condemning the attempted coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government.
The extraordinary session began with a minute of silence in honor of those who lost their lives during the coup, followed by the singing of the national anthem.
3.20pm BST
15:20
The Associated Press has taken a look at Turkey’s long history of coups here:
How long has the military intervened in politics?
The military staged three coups between 1960 and 1980 and pressured Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan, a pious Muslim mentor of Erdogan who was disliked by Turkey’s secular establishment, out of power in 1997. In 2007, the military threatened to intervene in a presidential election and warned the government to curb Islamic influences, but the action backfired and Abdullah Gul, the candidate favored by a government with Islamic leanings, took office. The latest coup attempt surprised observers because Erdogan’s government had taken steps to bring the military to heel, including dismissals and prosecutions of high-ranking active and former officers for alleged coup plots. Erdogan’s government appeared to be working effectively with the military, coordinating on national security issues and confronting a perceived anti-government faction said to have infiltrated the police and other institutions.
Why would the military try to step in now?
The Turkish military has traditionally seen itself as the guardian of Turkey’s old secular establishment, a legacy of national founder and former army officer Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, as well as an enforcer of order in times of civil unrest and weak civilian leadership. While it was forced to lower its political profile under Erdogan’s government, Turkey’s military has been buffeted by a renewed conflict with Kurdish separatist rebels and bombings by suspected Islamic extremists, including an attack on Istanbul’s main airport last month that killed dozens. Erdogan has also been a polarizing leader, though he commands deep support among a pious Muslim class that once felt marginalized under past military-influenced governments.
Why is the Turkish military so important?
Turkey is a NATO member and a key partner in U.S.-led efforts to defeat the Islamic State group, which controls territory in Syria and Iraq, and has allowed American fighter jets to use its Incirlik air base to fly missions against the extremists. Turkey’s strategic location in the Mideast region, straddling the Asian and European continents, makes it a critical player in international conflicts. In 2003, Turkey barred U.S. forces from using its territory in the invasion of Iraq, raising questions about whether the politically powerful Turkish military had undercut a civilian-led initiative to help the Americans.
What do Turks think about their military?
Turks have a conflicted relationship with their military, an institution that is cloaked in the lore of sacrifice, but also tarnished as a past symbol of repression. Past military coup leaders have been seen as saviors from chaos and corruption, but also ruthless. In the 1960 military takeover, the prime minister and key ministers were executed. Torture, disappearances and extrajudicial killings were rampant in a 1980 coup. Despite that past, the military retains respect and vast economic resources. Service is a rite of passage for almost all men, who serve as conscripts. Soldiers who die in fighting with Kurdish rebels are hailed as martyrs.
3.15pm BST
15:15
Demonstrators against the coup have gathered in the Turkish capital of Ankara waving flags and singing the national anthem. Here’s some images that have come into the Guardian picture desk of the scenes.
3.05pm BST
15:05
German chancellor Angela Merkel has condemned the attempted military coup in Turkey and said Berlin stood by those who defended democracy and the rule of law in Turkey.
“It’s tragic that so many people died during this attempted coup,” Merkel told reporters in Berlin. “The bloodshed in Turkey must stop now.”
Merkel said it was the right of the Turkish people to choose their political leader in free elections and political change should only be achieved within the framework of political institutions and the rules of democratic competition.
“Tanks on the streets and air strikes against the own people are injustice,” Merkel said.
3.03pm BST
15:03
The Dialogue Society, a charity aimed at improving social cohesion, has issued a statement commenting on the coup, in which it claims its Turkish-speaking members in the UK have reported a spike in hate-crime since the coup erupted. It said:
We hope those accused with trying to overthrow the government will be tried in courts of law and this incident becomes a source of motivation for strengthening Turkey’s democracy. We are particularly concerned that Turkey’s domestic troubles are used as a source of polarisation of the Turkish-speaking communities overseas and have already received reports from members of hate crime originating out of the UK. We encourage anyone who witnesses hate crime to report it to the police immediately.
2.59pm BST
14:59
My US colleague Amana Fontanella-Khan is outside the Pennsylvania home of Fethullah Gulen, the Muslim cleric blamed by the Turkish president for the failed coup attempt.
A coup-plotter's lair? Only birds making a sound outside Gulen's HQ in Saylorsburg. Deadly quiet otherwise pic.twitter.com/dKafICmQDl
Turkish translation for visitors wanting to park outside Gulen's Center. Impending media scrum will probs ignore... pic.twitter.com/Vsys2KkeNy
2.50pm BST
14:50
Here’s a livestream of a rally in Istanbul celebrating the failure of the coup
2.48pm BST
14:48
US Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States would entertain an extradition request for exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Turkey’s president blames for a failed coup, AP reports.
But Kerry added Turkey’s government would have to present evidence of Gulen’s wrongdoing that withstands scrutiny.
While visiting Luxembourg, Kerry said Turkey hasn’t made a request to send the Pennsylvania-based Gulen home. But he says he anticipates questions about Gulen, who has condemned the coup.
2.28pm BST
14:28
Turkey’s state-run news agency says authorities have detained 10 members of Turkey’s highest administrative court as the government appeared to press ahead with a purge of judiciary officials with alleged links to a US-based Muslim cleric.
The Anadolu Agency said that arrest warrants were issued for 48 administrative court members and 140 members of Turkey’s appeals court. Earlier, Anadolu said a body overseeing judges and prosecutors in Turkey has dismissed 2,745 judges across Turkey.
2.21pm BST
14:21
John Kerry, US Secretary of State, has spoken at length to reporters about his administration’s analysis of the failed coup in Turkey and the fallout. He said:
The United States, without any hesitation, squarely and unequivocally stands for democratic leadership, for the respect for the democratically elected leader and for constitutional process with that regard.
We stand by the Government of Turkey. It is our understanding that things are now calm, that order is being restored. I talked directly with my foreign minister counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, last night at the time where things were still uncertain as to what was happening and expressed my confidence in him and in the Government and our readiness to be supportive.
At this moment, all of our embassy personnel are 100% accounted for and okay. We are working to determine that all of our citizens who are travelling in Turkey are equally well taken care of and protected.
There was obviously an unfortunate loss of life and so we extend our sympathies to all of the families of the victims, and our hope that in the immediate hours here things will remain calm. That there will be a constitutional process, and a legal process, that will deal appropriately with coup-plotters.
But as of this moment, Turkey’s co-operation with us with our coutner-terrorism efforts, in our Nato obligations and in our regional efforts with respect to Syria and Isis have not been affected negatively. All of that has continued as before.
I’m sure people will wonder about allegations of who may have instigated this and where support came from, the United States will obviously be supportive of any legitimate investigative efforts and under due process and within the law, we will be completely supportive of efforts to assist the Government if they so request.