Turkey Quashes Army Coup

Forces loyal to Turkey’s president quashed a coup attempt in a night of explosions, air battles and gunfire that left some 250 people dead and over 1,400 wounded Saturday. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed that those responsible “will pay a heavy price for their treason” as authorities arrested or dismissed thousands of troops and judges.

The chaos Friday night and Saturday came amid a period of political turmoil in Turkey — a NATO member and key Western ally in the fight against the Islamic State group — that critics blame on Erdogan’s increasingly authoritarian rule. Staying in power by switching from being prime minister to president, Erdogan has shaken up the government, cracked down on dissidents, restricted the news media and renewed fighting with Kurdish rebels.

President Barack Obama is pledging U.S. cooperation with the Turkish government to help maintain safety after the failed coup attempt.

In a statement, the White House says Obama received a morning briefing from national security advisers about the situation in Turkey. The White House says there are no indications that any Americans were killed or injured in the violence. Obama stressed the need for the democratically elected government “to act within the rule of law” and avoid actions leading to further instability.

Obama has instructed his team to continue working with the Turkish government to maintain the safety of diplomatic personnel and U.S. service members.

———-

BBC.com

The Turkish military has taken over the government and imposed martial law, according to an announcement read by an anchor on state broadcaster TRT.

The statement was made on behalf of the “Peace in the Nation” council, the announcer said. “The political administration that has lost all legitimacy has been forced to withdraw,” the anchor said.

Early Saturday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged people to take to the streets and stand up to the military during a coup attempt.

Erdogan said he would overcome what he called an uprising by a minority.

He told CNN Turk by mobile phone the action was by a “parallel structure” that would bring the necessary response.

Gunfire was also heard outside Istanbul police HQ and tanks are said to be stationed outside Istanbul airport. All flights are cancelled, reports say.

U.S. Embassy in Ankara tells U.S. citizens to exercise caution, issuing the following statement:

U.S. Embassy Ankara informs U.S. citizens that shots have been heard in Ankara and both bridges in Istanbul, Bosphorous and Fatih Sultan Mehmet, are now closed. The Turkish Government states that elements of the Turkish army are attempting an uprising, security forces are taking action to contain it,and some buildings are under blockade.

We urge U.S. citizens to contact family and friends to let them know you are safe. We have seen reports that social media is blocked, but you can contact friends and family by email, telephone, or SMS. We encourage U.S. citizens to shelter in place and do not go the U.S. Embassy or Consulates at this time. Monitor local press for updates, avoid areas of conflict, and exercise caution if you are in the vicinity of any military or security forces.