Attempted Military Coup in Turkey

military coup

UPDATE: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is demanding the United States government arrest or extradite Fethullah Gulen for failed coup.

(07/16/2016 4:00 p.m. EST)


UPDATE:  The government is now in control of Turkey. The coup is over.

These figures are likely to change, but we are currently seeing reports of the death toll being at 161 people.  Roughly, 1400 people are injured. About 1500 military personnel have been captured in the attempted coup. Five generals and 29 colonels have been relieved of duty.

The Parliament building has been defaced due to the attacks.

Young soldiers are being shown as the main participants in the coup, but it is unclear who was leading the military coup. The Turkish government blames an exiled cleric living in the United States named Fethullah Gulen for the coup. However, he and his followers staunchly denies those allegations.

(07/16/2016 8:04 a.m. EST)


UPDATE:  President Obama and the White House is monitoring the ongoing situation. The President supports the Turkish elected government.

There is fighting between the military coup and the government forces. There isn’t a figure on casualties yet.

(07/15/2016 7:08 p.m. EST)


Reports are flooding in about an attempted military coup happening in Turkey right now.

The military or apart of the military is trying to overthrow the government. The whereabout of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is unclear. Citizens are reporting troops on the ground, tanks, gunfire, explosions, low flying jets, police helicopters, among other things. The airport and bridges has been closed. Social media has reportedly  been blocked. Martial law and a curfew is in effect.

The United States State Department urges Americans to contact their family and let them know they are safe. Their twitter status is advising citizens to shelter in place. At this time, it is not recommended to go to the American Embassy or Consulates. Do not go onto the streets.

This instability is causing great concern around the world. Turkey is critical to NATO and the West. In addition, the safety to all civilians is worrisome.

The exact details of what is taking place are unclear at this point. Both the military and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan are claiming control.

If you are in Turkey, please be safe. Stay inside and monitor the local news. We will report more news as it comes in.

Video credit: GlobalLeaks News | Youtube

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