Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Turkish Prime Minister claims there has been an attempted coup

Turkey would not allow any 'initiative that would interrupt democracy,' deputy PM Binali Yildirim says

Will Worley,Feliks Garcia
Friday 15 July 2016 22:32 BST
Comments
A Turkish security officer stands on guard on the side of the road
A Turkish security officer stands on guard on the side of the road (BULENT KILICBULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Turkey's prime minister says a group within Turkey's military has engaged in what appeared to be an attempted coup.

Binali Yildirim told NTV television: "It is correct that there was an attempt."

Mr Yildirim didn't provide details, but said Turkey would never allow any "initiative that would interrupt democracy."

"We are focusing on the possibility of an attempt (coup)," Mr Yildirim said.

"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 Hurryiet newspaper reported the PM as saying the security forces would respond with to force with force.

Goverment officials said a statement issued by the military was done without authorisation.

US State Department confirmed reports of the "possible attempted uprising" in the country. They have told US citizens in Turkey to contact family and "remain vigilant".

Similarly, the Associated Press says that Russian officials have urged citizens in Turkey to remain indoors amid the uncertainty caused by the coup.

More follows....

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in