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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)
3.18am BST
03:18
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:
Things are getting better every minute.
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.
3.11am BST
03:11
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.
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 BST
03:05
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”:
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.
Preservation of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and assembly, remain of vital importance.
3.00am BST
03:00
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:
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.
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
1.41am BST
01:41
Erdoğan's plane landing in Istanbul, official says
Reuters and others report that president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s plane is landing in Istanbul:
BREAKING: Turkish official says Erdogan's plane landing in Istanbul https://t.co/Ki7gqHaqLl pic.twitter.com/RSJelsDVs1
Updated
at 1.54am BST
1.23am BST
01:23
Turkish official: coup has been 'repelled'
A Turkish national intelligence spokesman has claimed that the coup has been “repelled”, amid a concerted effort by both the government and military to portray the sense that their respective side is in power.
According to the Associated Press, government officials, including president Recep Erdoğan, have tried to play down reports that the military is in control.
At the same time, Gen Zekai Aksakalli, the commander of Turkey’s military special forces, said that “those who are attempting a coup will not succeed”. He told NTV television:
Our people should know that we will overcome this ... We are in control of the situation.
He also said some deaths and injuries were reported during the coup attempt, without providing any details.
Turkish media reports have also reported that MIT, the national intelligence agency, as saying the coup has been defeated, according to the Associated Press.
Live video from the streets of Istanbul and Ankara suggests that the situation remains fluid and chaotic.
Updated
at 1.34am BST
1.03am BST
01:03
Social media may be blocked
Julia Carrie Wong
Turkey may be blocking or slowing access to social media networks amid an attempted military coup, although there are conflicting reports emerging from the country that’s been described as a “bastion of internet censorship” by the Electronic Freedom Foundation.
Turkey Blocks, an organization that monitors internet censorship in the country, tweeted on Friday evening that Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube were being blocked, but that Vimeo and Instagram were still functioning.
Confirmed: Twitter, Facebook & YouTube blocked in #Turkey at 10:50PM after apparent military uprising in #Turkey pic.twitter.com/J9ER5yOGYP
Internet censorship in Turkey typically occurs when the government orders internet service providers to block access to certain domains, according to Deji Olukotun of Access Now, a digital rights advocacy group.
Read the Guardian’s full report on possible social media censorship here:
Related: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube may be blocked in Turkey amid coup attempt
12.57am BST
00:57
Bomb hits Turkish parliament – reports
A bomb has reportedly hit the Turkish parliament in Ankara, according to the Associated Press, citing Anadolu Agency, a state news agency.
BREAKING: Anadolu Agency reports a bomb has hit the Turkish parliament in Ankara.
The extent of any damage or possible injuries was not immediately clear. A resident who lived near the area told the AP that he “heard a massive explosion that shook buildings and saw a column of smoke”, but couldn’t confirm if it was coming directly from parliament. The person said fighter jets were flying low in the area.
On live TV, a cell phone feed of the Parliament, deputies say they had some sort bomb thrown at them. No major damage
CNN-Turk television reported some police officers and parliament workers were hurt in the bomb attack.
BEŞİKTAŞ'TA PATLAMAhttps://t.co/QRLWhMEOfI https://t.co/kxp5UTkWYc
12.46am BST
00:46
Nato chief: "full respect" for Turkish government
Nato’s chief has issued a call for “full respect” for Turkey’s democratic institutions and constitution, according to the Associated Press. Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement:
I have just spoken to the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. I am following events in Turkey closely and with concern.
The statement continued, “I call for calm and restraint, and full respect for Turkey’s democratic institutions and its constitution. ...Turkey is a valued Nato ally.”
12.40am BST
00:40
Analysis: how a coup could destabilize a western ally
Here’s the Guardian’s analysis of how the attempted Turkey coup attempt could destabilize a western ally in a region already reeling from war, terrorism and mass migration:
The Turkish military’s apparent attempt to seize power on Friday unleashed panic in the streets and sent shockwaves through Nato and across the Middle East.
With the state broadcaster TRT off the air, and martial law and a curfew declared across the country, people in Istanbul scrambled to get indoors as military jets flew overhead.
The extraordinary turn of events also baffled many in the foreign policy community, many of whom perceived Turkey’s elected government as relatively stable.
Read the full story here:
Related: Turkey coup attempt could destabilize ally in region reeling from terrorism
12.30am BST
00:30
Paul Lewis
It is now after 2.20am in Istanbul, but live video footage appears to show crowds flooding onto the streets, gathering the Bosphorus Bridge and Taksim Square, apparently heeding the request from president Recep Erdoğan to resist the attempted coup. The crowds are directly defying a command from the military, which has declared martial law and implemented a curfew.
TV footage is showing chaotic scenes; some shots appear to show jubilant crowds of hundreds waving flags. There is video of groups of men marching and chanting through Istanbul Ataturk International Airport, and footage of groups of men doing the same in residential streets in the suburbs of the city.
Still more footage, from other parts of the city, have shown civilians appearing to confront military vehicles on bridges, or near government buildings, alongside the sound of occasional gunfire.
Asker sokağa çıktı: Bu gece dakika dakika neler yaşandı? ➤ https://t.co/s5yudEk71P pic.twitter.com/tMIBWTCzOi
One witness has told CNN that as many as 1,000 people are now at the airport, some of whom have gained access to the tarmac. Turkey’s DHA TV network has broadcast images of hundreds of men surrounding a military vehicle, chanting, shouting and occasionally hurling missiles and punches at military personnel, who are taking shelter behind riot shields. Others show crowds seemingly cheering men in military fatigues.
12.17am BST
00:17
Obama: support democratically elected government
The White House has just released a statement on the reports of an attempted coup, saying that Barack Obama and secretary of state John Kerry “agreed that all parties in Turkey should support the democratically-elected Government of Turkey, show restraint, and avoid any violence or bloodshed”.
The state department will “continue to focus on the safety and security of US citizens in Turkey,” the statement added.
Tonight, @POTUS spoke with Secretary of State @JohnKerry about the ongoing situation in Turkey. pic.twitter.com/dcNGE0lJiN
12.11am BST
00:11
Here’s some video footage capturing the chaos in Turkey right now, including scenes at the Bosphorus Bridge where armed personnel were seen patrolling and in the capital Ankara where gunshots were heard.
12.05am BST
00:05
Former prime minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has told al-Jazeera in an interview that the attempted coup is utilizing “illegal methods” and constitutes an “an attack against democracy”.
From the New York Times, Davutoğlu said:
Stability of Turkey means stability of many other countries, and the stability of Turkey means the stability of a safe haven of millions of refugees. If it is harmed, the domino effect cannot be prevented.
Davutoğlu repeatedly suggested that the coup was being led merely by a “clique” in the military and said he expected the coup to fail.
“Throughout my life we have seen many attempts by these types of cliques in the army,” he said. “They were not able to succeed for a long time and, after so many years, I am sure we will protect our dignity, our democracy.”
Former #Turkey PM @Ahmet_Davutoglu urges civilians to come out on the streets against #TurkeyCoup on @AJEnglish pic.twitter.com/kaYgKLPLrg
Updated
at 12.16am BST