Erdogan Vows to Punish Rebels as Leaders Say Coup Foiled
Selcan Hacaoglu SelcanHacaoglu
Firat Kozok FiratKozok
Onur Ant AnkaraWonk
July 15, 2016 — 4:13 PM EDTUpdated on July 16, 2016 — 5:43 AM EDT
Turkey’s leaders said they crushed an attempted military coup to topple President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after hours of clashes through the night that saw tanks blockading roads, soldiers fighting police and warplanes bombing the parliament in Ankara.
Almost 200 people, including dozens of coup backers, were killed and 2,839 military personnel were arrested, pro-Erdogan forces said. At dawn, about 50 rebel soldiers who had been blocking a bridge across the Bosphorus in Istanbul were shown on television leaving their tanks and armored carriers with hands raised. By Saturday morning, most international flights were canceled and streets in Ankara and Istanbul were virtually deserted with shops largely shuttered.
Turkey’s Army Says It Seized Power as Premier Vows to Resist
Selcan Hacaoglu
Turkey’s army says it seized power in the country as warplanes flew over the capital and tanks blocked roads in Istanbul. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said his government is still in control and will resist.
The army said in an e-mailed statement that it took power to restore freedom and democracy. It said all international agreements will be honored.
The coup effort won’t be permitted to succeed, Yildirim told NTV television. He said army units have besieged “some institutions,” and he said police — traditionally closer to his government than the army — have been ordered to use arms if necessary. He said the elected government remains in power.
