LATEST NEWS….MILITARY IN COUP ATTEMPT TO TAKE OVER TURKEY

 Turkish soldiers block Istanbul's Bosphorus Bridge on July 15, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey. Istanbul's bridges across the Bosphorus, the strait separating the European and Asian sides of the city

Turkish soldiers block Istanbul’s Bosphorus Bridge on July 15, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey. Istanbul’s bridges across the Bosphorus, the strait separating the European and Asian sides of the city

THE Turkish military claims to have seized control of the country amid reports of tanks and army jets in Istanbul and Ankara.

But the claims have been denied by the Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim.

The Foreign Office say that Secretary of State Boris Johnson has been informed of the coup bid.

A statement is expected to issued later by the Foreign Office on travel.

But its website this evening has no advice for travellers on the latest coup, only advice about staying out of areas in Turkey close to the border with Turkey.

Turkey is a very destination at this time of the year for Northern Ireland holidaymakers.

An announcer on Turkey’s state broadcaster TRT has read out a live statement, reportedly on the orders of the military, saying the country is now being run by a “peace council”.

It comes after the NTV broadcaster quoted the army as saying: “Power in the country has been seized in its entirety.”

The Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has confirmed that military action is taking place, describing it as an illegal “attempt” by a faction of the army to seize power.

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

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

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.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is safe, according to a presidential source.

According to Turkish media, the military statement said it had taken action to: “reinstall the constitutional order, democracy, human rights and freedoms, to ensure that the rule of law once again reigns in the country, for the law and order to be reinstated.”

The military statement went on to say that “all international agreements and commitments will remain. We pledge that good relations with all world countries will continue.”

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

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

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