Army Group Announces Take-Over of Power in Turkey

Army Group Announces Take-Over of Power in Turkey

Democratic rule in Turkey may be at risk as soldiers have blocked certain bridges and roads in the capital, Ankara, while helicopters hover over the city.

An army group has also announced a take-over of power supposedly to instill “democratic order.”

BBC reports that Prime Minister Binali Yildirim earlier denounced an “illegal action” by a military “group”, stressing that it was not a coup. He also said that the government remained in charge.

“We are working on the possibility of an attempt. We will not allow this attempt.

Those who are in this illegal act will pay the highest price.

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,” he said.

All indications, however, point to the possibility of a coup with multiple reports of gunshots in the capital Ankara while gunfire was also heard outside the Istanbul police headquarters. All flights have also been cancelled.

CNN Turk reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was “safe” but did not elaborate.

A statement from the military group read out on NTV television said: “The power in the country has been seized in its entirety.”

The leadership of the army group remains uncertain while Turkey’s top general is believed to be currently held hostage at the military headquarters.

Turkey recently held national elections at which President Erdogan secured a second term. His popularity, however, seemed to wane in recent months.