Military Coup Underway in Turkey, Says Country's Prime Minister

The Israeli news organization Haaretz is reporting that a military coup is currently underway in the capital city of Turkey, Ankara. This is a developing story. Local media have reported military jets and helicopters flying low over Ankara, and tanks in the streets.

The New York Times is reporting that Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said in comments broadcast on NTV, a private television channel: “Some people illegally undertook an illegal action outside of the chain of command. The government elected by the people remains in charge. This government will only go when the people say so.”

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

According to Haaretz:

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said a military coup attempt is currently underway and that military action has been taken without a chain of command, according to local media NTV.

Yildirim reportedly said that the actions are only being taken by part of the military, adding that security forces are doing what is necessary to resolve the situation.

Gunshots were heard in the Turkish capital of Ankara on Friday, a Reuters witness said, as military jets and helicopters were seen flying overhead.

Reuters witnesses in Istanbul, Turkey's biggest city, also spotted military jets and helicopters overhead, as well as tanks in the streets.