Turkey has Fallen: Turkish Military Says It Has Taken Over the Country By Force

In a statement read out on Turkey’s NTV television, the army said: “Power in the country has been seized in its entirety.” According to Sky sources, state TV has been stormed by the military and staff have been asked to hand in their mobile phones.

A Turkish state news agency is reporting that a top general is among several people being “held hostage” at the military headquarters in Ankara.

That follows media reports that ambulances have been seen in front of the building.

Turkish soldiers block both bridges on the Bosphorus in Istanbul and jets flying low in Ankara. Reason not clear yet pic.twitter.com/tMG7KKYvGh

— Selin Girit (@selingirit) July 15, 2016

NTV is showing footage of tanks at the entrance to Istanbul’s Ataturk airport.

It is reported that all flights have been cancelled in and out of the airport.

Military vehicles are said to be blocking two bridges in Istanbul, while military jets have been heard flying over the Turkish capital, Ankara.

Prime minister Binali Yildirim has called for calm, saying security forces are doing what is necessary to resolve the situation.

Mr Yildirim warned that those responsible for this “illegal attempt ” will pay the “highest price.” source