Turkey coup attempt as it happened: Erdogan denounces 'act of treason' and says government still in charge

That concludes IBTimes UK's live coverage of the Turkey attempted coup. For the latest updates visit IBTimes UK.

Support for Erdogan from US President Obama who has just released a statement offering "unwavering support for the democratically-elected, civilian government of Turkey".

He added: "The president also underscored the shared challenges that will require continued Turkish cooperation, including our joint efforts against terrorism."

Senior military officer detained

Turkish forces have arrested General Adem Huduti, a top military official. Huduti is the commander of the Second Army, which is responsible for protecting the country's borders with Syria, Iran and Iraq.

Earlier optimism from Turkey that Greece will extradite the eight officers who arrived by helicopter to claim political asylum could be premature, according to a Greek Der Spiegel journalist. Giorgos Christides posted on the following message on Twitter:

Turkey's four main political parties stand in solidarity

Turkey's four main political parties roundly condemned the attempted coup in a joint statement read out in the general assembly.

"We the groups of four parties strongly condemn the coup attempt against our mighty nation, the national will the state, and lawmakers and parliament as its reflection, and the attacks on the parliament itself," Parliament Speaker İsmail Kahraman said as he read the statement.

"The Turkish parliament is on duty as one heart," the statement continued. "Despite our political differences, we are beside the national will, we embrace it and we will embrace it forever with all our lawmakers and organisations."

Following the failed coup attempt in Turkey, people in Ankara have taken to the streets to celebrate.

'Ravenous terrorist butchers in uniforms"

15 July will be remembered as "a festival for democracy," Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has said. Speaking to parliament, he said: "These are not soldiers, they are ravenous terrorist butchers in uniforms."

Yildirim also issued a stern warning, saying anybody who tries to undermine the will of the people will be "reminded of those coup plotters, whose lives have been snuffed out."

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has claimed the eight military personnel who landed in Greece on board a Blackhawk helicopter will be extradited. Greece is yet to officially confirm the extraditions will take place.

Times journalist Hannah Lucinda Smith has shared a striking picture of detained soldiers who have been stripped of their uniforms.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has spoken out against the attempted coup in Turkey and lamented the loss of life. "It's tragic that so many people died during this attempted coup," the German leader told reporters in Berlin. "The bloodshed in Turkey must stop now."

She added: "Tanks on the streets and air strikes against the own people are injustice."

An extraordinary session has just opened at the Turkish parliament.

"What is necessary will be done and [the perpetrators] will be punished in the heaviest manner," Parliament Speaker Ismail Kahraman said in an opening speech.

Extraordinary claims by conspiracy theorists that the failed coup was faked in order for Erdogan to suppress opposition and secure greater powers. The hashtag #TheatreNotCoup was used to speculate on the theory.

Pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP) has condemned the attempted coup. "HDP, as a matter of principle and under all circumstances, is against all kinds of coups. There is no way but democracy," a statement from the party said.

Turkey's army has been fighting Kurdish rebels since the collapse of a 2-year-old ceasefire in July 2015, in which at least 338 civilians lost their lives, according to Human Rights Watch.

Demonstrators have gathered outside Ankara, waving Turkish flags and singing the national anthem in support of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

Remaining pro-coup troops reportedly surrender

A last remaining group of Turkish military personnel have surrendered, according to the state run Anadolu news agency, which cited a security source. Some 150 "plotters" were holding out at the General Staff headquarters in the capital, Ankara.

The surrenders reportedly include 13 "high-ranking naval officers". The report noted that members of the group "are suspected of being members of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization."

Turkish Airlines resumes operations

The airline has said its "operations at Istanbul Ataturk Airport is now back to normal and flights have resumed." The notification on the carrier's website thanks its customers for their understanding.

US Secretary of State John Kerry speaks about the situation in Turkey.

He said: "The United States, without any hesitation, squarely and unequivocally stands for democratic leadership, for the respect for the democratically elected leader and for constitutional process with that regard.

"We stand by the government of Turkey. It is our understanding that things are now calm, that order is being restored. I talked directly with my foreign minister counterpart, Mevlut Cavusoglu, last night at the time where things were still uncertain as to what was happening and expressed my confidence in him and in the Government and our readiness to be supportive.

"At this moment, all of our embassy personnel are 100% accounted for and okay. We are working to determine that all of our citizens who are travelling in Turkey are equally well taken care of and protected.

"There was obviously an unfortunate loss of life and so we extend our sympathies to all of the families of the victims, and our hope that in the immediate hours here things will remain calm. That there will be a constitutional process, and a legal process, that will deal appropriately with coup-plotters.

"But as of this moment, Turkey's co-operation with us with our coutner-terrorism efforts, in our Nato obligations and in our regional efforts with respect to Syria and Isis [Islamic State] have not been affected negatively. All of that has continued as before.

"I'm sure people will wonder about allegations of who may have instigated this and where support came from, the United States will obviously be supportive of any legitimate investigative efforts and under due process and within the law, we will be completely supportive of efforts to assist the government if they so request."

Greece says Turkey's Blackhawk helicopter will be returned "as soon as possible".

Spokeswoman Olga Gerovasili said: "The government is in contact with the Turkish authorities for...the return of the military helicopter as soon as possible."

In terms of the eight Turkish military personnel claiming political asylum in Greece, Gerovasili said that "we will follow the procedures of international law. However, we give very serious considerations to the fact that [the Turkish military men] are accused, in their country, of violating the constitutional order and trying to overthrow democracy".

According to Hurriyet newspaper, some privates who were taken into military custody have said they were not aware that they were part of an attempted coup. They alleged that commanders said they were conducting military manoeuvres.

No extradition request for Gulen says Kerry

US Secretary of State John Kerry has asked Turkey to provide any evidence on US-based Islamic cleric, Fethullah Gulen. Ankara has accused Gulen of leading the coup - a charge which he vehemently denies.

Kerry added that the US has not received an extradition request for Gulen from Turkey. Read Gulen's earlier statement below:

"I condemn, in the strongest terms, the attempted military coup in Turkey," he said in an statement, according to the New York Times. "Government should be won through a process of free and fair elections, not force."

"I pray to God for Turkey, for Turkish citizens and for all those currently in Turkey that this situation is resolved peacefully and quickly," he added. "As someone who suffered under multiple military coups during the past five decades, it is especially insulting to be accused of having any link to such an attempt. I categorically deny such accusations."

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has issued a statement denouncing last night's events. It says:

"We condemn the attempted coup in Turkey and reiterate our full support to the democratic institutions of the country. We are in contact with the Turkish authorities and continue to closely monitor events.

"We regret the loss of lives and extend our condolences to the families of the victims as well as to those injured. We call for an end to the use of violence and for continued restraint and responsibility to be shown by the police and security forces to prevent further casualties.

"Societal tensions can only be addressed through democratic processes. We underline the need for a swift return to Turkey's constitutional order with its checks and balances and stress the importance for the rule of law and fundamental freedoms to prevail. The EU stands in solidarity with Turkey and the Turkish people."

Uprising 'a gift from god' says Erdogan

Turkey's president had strong words for the coup plotters.

"They will pay a heavy price for this," Erdogan was quoted as saying by Reuters. "This uprising is a gift from God to us because this will be a reason to cleanse our army."

Erdogan, who was in the resort of Marmaris, said attempts had been made against him while he was there. "They bombed places I had departed right after I was gone," he said. "They probably thought we were still there." According to reports, Erdogan had left the resort when shots rang out.

Mass sackings in the judiciary

According to Turkish broadcaster NTV, authorities have removed 2,745 judges in the aftermath of the coup.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson says it is crucial that Turkey's democratic institutions are supported. Watch his statement below.

Bloody footage of a soldier being beheaded on a bridge crossing the Bosphorus by alleged supporters of the ruling AKP party was reported by the BBC and circulated on social media.

IBTimes UK has chosen not to share the images.

A journalist was killed in last night's events, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has said. It posted the following tweet:

Religious leaders issue a joint statement

Turkey's head of the Religious Affairs Directorate, Mehmet Gormez, Orthodox Christian Patriarch Bartholomew I and Chief Rabbi Ishak Haleva issued a joint declaration condemning terrorism.

"From wherever and whomever it comes, terror and violence cannot be displayed as a legitimate thing and it cannot be supported," the statement said, according to Anadolu news agency.

"Those who have faith in them cannot approve any killing, as murdering a human being is no different than murdering the whole humanity."

It continued: "We hope terror will be wiped out from Turkey and the world."

Erdogan sends mass texts to Turkey's population

President Erdogan has sent a text to the Turkish people urging them to "stand up" for democracy and peace. He also called on people to take to the streets against a "narrow cadre".

Reports suggest the coup does not appear to be fully quashed.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu demands the extradition of the eight soldiers who fled to Greece in a military helicopter. The men asked for political asylum and have been arrested.

British Airways cancels all flights to Turkey

The airline issued the following statement:

"In the light of events in Turkey we have cancelled all flights to and from Turkey on Saturday 16 July 2016, and BA675 departing from Istanbul on Sunday 17 July.

"We are keeping flights to Turkey under review.

"The safety and security of our customers and crew are always our top priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so."

Coup plotters used WhatsApp to communicate, Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency has reported. A clip of the alleged messages was shared on Twitter.

Turkish military helicopter lands in Greece

AFP News Agency is reporting that a Turkish military helicopter has touched down in the Greek city of Alexandroupolis, with eight men requesting political asylum. The men have reportedly been arrested.

Yildirim has warned that any country supporting Gulen "won't be a friend of Turkey and will be considered at war with Turkey".

Gulen has been at odds with President Erdogan. Turkey accuses the leader of the Hizmet movement of being behind the failed coup, but the cleric has rejected the claim and criticised last night's events.

"I condemn, in the strongest terms, the attempted military coup in Turkey," he said in an statement, according to the New York Times. "Government should be won through a process of free and fair elections, not force."

"I pray to God for Turkey, for Turkish citizens and for all those currently in Turkey that this situation is resolved peacefully and quickly," he added. "As someone who suffered under multiple military coups during the past five decades, it is especially insulting to be accused of having any link to such an attempt. I categorically deny such accusations."

The international view

Russia has warned of the elevated risks to "international and regional stability." In a statement it said:

"The aggravating political situation [in Turkey] against the backdrop of existing terrorist threats in this country and an armed conflict in the region pose increased danger to international and regional stability.

"Forces loyal to the Turkish government fought on Saturday to crush the remnants of a military coup attempt which crumbled after crowds answered President Tayyip Erdogan's call to take to the streets and dozens of rebels abandoned their tanks."

Meanwhile in the early hours of the morning, US Secretary of State John Kerry reiterated Washington's "absolute support for Turkey's democratically-elected, civilian government and democratic institutions."

Speaking to Sky News this morning, Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said:

"We've been monitoring the situation in Turkey very closely overnight and remain very concerned about what's been going on there and the first thing to say is we want to urge calm, the avoidance of any further bloodshed, and it's crucial that we support the democratic institutions of Turkey.

"And that is a message that was very much echoed by the Turkish Foreign Minister, my counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, to whom I spoke a couple of hours ago. He is very grateful for UK support at the UN and elsewhere. Obviously, I have also spoken to our diplomatic staff in Ankara and in Istanbul. They are doing a fantastic job. They are working very hard, as you can imagine, to do the best for the many Brits who are there and the many people on holiday.

"They should follow the travel advice and we will do our best to update you as soon as we can."

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has said last night's events cast a "black stain" on democracy in the country. Speaking on live TV, Yildirim referred to the coup plotters as a "parallel structure" in the military who are now in "the hands" of the authorities.

They will "face the justice they deserve," Yildirim added. The prime minister also gave the following updates:

• 161 people killed
• 1,440 people wounded in the failed coup
• 2,839 soldiers detained

The Turkish government is set to consider the reintroduction of the death penalty against those behind the coup attempt, according to Mehmet Muezzinoglu, the deputy head of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

#Idamistiyorum ("I want death penalty") has quickly become the top trending hashtag on Twitter in the country and has been used in more than 23,000 posts.

General Umit Dundar, Turkey's new acting chief of general staff declared: "The coup attempt has been foiled". He gave the following figures:

• 1,563 military personnel involved in the takeover attempt have been arrested
• 104 'coup plotters' killed
• 41 police officers and 47 civilians 'fell martyrs'
• 1,154 people wounded

Boris Johnson, UK's new foreign secretary, said he has spoken to Turkey's Mevlut Cavusoglu to extend his support following the coup.

The official twitter account of Turkish Prime Minister, Binali Yildirim, has posted a video that showed the Army chief, General Hulusi Akar, being rescued.

Turkish people have reportedly received text messages today morning (16 July) from the authorities who urged them to take to the streets to show their support for democracy in the country.

The updated death toll stands now at 90, the state-run Anadolu news agency says. A further 1,154 wounded.

More than 1500 armed forces detained

So far, a total of 1,563 military personnel have been arrested across the country, a senior Turkish official has said. State-run news agency says some 200 unarmed soldiers leave Turkey's military headquarters and have surrendered to police.

Earlier, 754 members of the armed forces were arrested for their alleged involvement in the coup. Five generals and 29 colonels were dismissed from their posts.

President Erdogan said he would make use of this coup attempt to "clean out" the military troops, while comparing them to "terrorist groups".

Here is the footage from inside the offices of CNN Turk that shows soldiers being arrested by Turkish police.

Flights cancelled

British Airways announced it is cancelling all its flights to and from Turkey on Saturday (16 July) and the departure of its BA 675 aircraft from Istanbul on 17 July, NBC News reported.

Iran has also suspended all flights to Turkey following the coup, Reuters quoted state media as saying.

Attempted coup "about to end"

Turkish police chief says, clashes are still continuing at the paramilitary headquarters, but are "about to come to an end".

Turkey's attempted coup, in pictures:

Chief of Turkish military freed

The head of Turkish military, General Hulusi Akar, has been rescued in operation at air base, state-run news agency says. He was apparently held as a hostage in the attempted coup.

Turkey's police chief says 16 coup plotters have been killed in clashes at Turkey's paramilitary headquarters and 250 have been detained.

The state news media Aksam reported that Rear Admiral Nejat Atilla Demirhan has been arrested.

The government has reportedly seized the control of Turkish military headquarters from the rebel faction, Reuters report says.

The armed forces apparently still have some helicopters and are continuing to fight in some areas. However, they do not have fighter jets under their control, a senior Turkish official was quoted as saying.

The state-run Anadolu news agency reports that 754 soldiers, who have been part of the attempted coup, have been detained.

Fethullah Gulen denies having links to the coup

The US-based Turkish Imam, Fethullah Gulen has rejected directing the coup from Pennsylvania and has denied President Erdogan's accusations.

The pro-coup armed faction is still reportedly fighting. Reuters said it has received any email statement from the Turkish military general staff's press office saying it is "determinedly still fighting".

60 dead, 336 arrested

The updated figures show that at least 60 people have died in the attempted coup since Friday (15 July) late evening. Reuters reported the justice minister as saying that 336 people have been detained during the coup.

Prime Minister Binali Yildrim announced General Umit Dundar as the new acting chief of military staff.

Soldiers surrendered on bridge

Around 50 soldiers who were involved in a military coup attempt have surrendered on the Bospherus Bridges. Live footage from CNN Turk showed soldiers abandoning their tanks with their hands raised in the air. Reuters said that a witness earlier saw tens of other pro-coup soldiers surrendering to armed police in Istanbul's Taksim Square.

Turkish authorities have shot down the military helicopter used by the coup plotters to attack the state satellite station Turksat, Anadolu news agency reports. The helicopter was brought down in the Golbasi district, outskirts of Ankara.

Addressing thousands of supporters outside Istanbul's Ataturk airport, President Erdogan said only he "is in charge" of Turkey.

"They have pointed the people's guns against the people. The president, whom 52 percent of the people brought to power, is in charge. This government brought to power by the people, is in charge. They won't succeed as long as we stand against them by risking everything."

CNN-Turk is back on-air and the police have reportedly arrested the troops who had taken over the building. The channel showed a soldier being taken away with his hands cuffed behind his back with wire.

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has called for "restraint."

"We call for restraint by all parties. Canada supports the preservation of Turkish democracy, and condemns any attempt to subvert Turkey's democratic institutions by force of arms."

The prosecutor's office says most of the 42 people who died in violent clashes were civilians. Seventeen of the dead were police officers.

Several police officers areere reported to have been killed in an explosion at a building in the parliament complex. Ömer Çelik, Turkey's minister for EU affairs tweeted images of carnage from inside the parliament building.

Mehmet Simsek, the Deputy Prime Minister, tells CNN by phone that the military coup has failed. "The government is in full control. Already many of the soldiers involved in Ankara have been arrested. Rogue military aircraft have been shot down."

The president of the European council, Donald Tusk; the president of the European commission, Jean-Claude Juncker; and the EU high representative for foreign affairs, Federica Mogherini – have issued a statement supporting the Turkish government.

"Turkey is a key partner for the European Union. The EU fully supports the democratically elected government, the institutions of the country and the rule of law. We call for a swift return to Turkey's constitutional order. We continue to follow closely the developments and to coordinate with the 28 EU member states."

UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has called for an end to the attempted coup. In a statement, he called for "calm, non-violence and restraint", saying it was "a moment of uncertainty":
"Military interference in the affairs of any state is unacceptable. It will be crucial to quickly and peacefully affirm civilian rule and constitutional order in accordance with principles of democracy. Preservation of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and assembly, remain of vital importance."

World leaders have been urging for respect for the democratically elected government of Turkey. US Secretary of State John Kerry emphasized "absolute support for Turkey's democratically elected, civilian government and democratic institutions" in phone call with Turkish foreign minister.

The Foreign Minister of Iran Javad Zarif said he was "deeply concerned about the crisis in Turkey."

US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said she was following events in Turkey "with great concern". "We should all urge calm and respect for laws, institutions, and basic human rights and freedoms - and support for the democratically elected civilian government," she said.

President Erdogan says he "will stay with my people"

In a televised statement President Erdogan said that some of the military who instigated the coup have been taking orders from Pennsylvania, home of the cleric Fethullah Gulen. He said that many officers have been arrested and have handed over their weapons. He confirmed that the prime minister has given orders to "eradicate" those who are shooting from the air.

Mr Erdogan added that he does not know the whereabouts of the chief of the army.

According to Reuters, the president said he would not hand Turkey over to occupiers and insisted that the cabinet is functioning in Ankara. President Erdogan said he will stay in his country "with my people".

The Foreign Office has strongly advised Britons in Turkey to stay indoors and remain vigilant following "a state of martial law" being put into effect in the country.

An official at Haydarpasa Numune Hospital in the Uskudar district of Istanbul tells AP they have admitted at least 150 wounded.

According to Reuters speaking at a press conference President Erdoğan is reported to have said: "This latest action is an action of treason and they will pay heavily for it. This uprising was carried out by a minority in the military who can't stand the unity of the country."

A spokesman for Turkey's national intelligence agency, MIT, says the coup attempt has been defeated but that there are some pockets of resistance.

"People are marching on these groups. All people who have taken part in this attempt will stand trial for treason. There is no problem for the time being," Nuh Yilmaz is quoted as saying by the Hurriyet website.

Mr Erdogan has reportedly appeared on TV surounded by hundreds of supporters who greeted him on the tarmac of Istanbul airport.

There are unconfirmed reports that President Erdogan has appeared among crowds of supporters outside Istanbul airport, according to broadcaster NTV.

Reports of casualties as police and military exchange fire in Istanbul's Taksim square.

Gunshots are heard from the studios of CNN Turk after a group of soldiers entered the headquarters of the Dogan Media group.

A Facebook Live video captures the chaotic scenes as a group of soldiers take over the Dogan Media Centre where CNN Turk is based.

CNN-TURK has been taken off air as the building is taken over by Turkish military.

Istanbul Police Chief says a small faction comprising only 104 soldiers were involved in the military coup. The leader has been named as Col Muharrem Kose, a mid-rank officer recently dismissed as Gulen member. The state-run Anadolu news agency has published what it describes as a "list of those who planned the coup attempt" with Col Kose at the top.

Turkey has closed its border crossings with Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry has confirmed.

CNN-Turk is reporting casualties including police officers and parliament workers following a bomb attack on the parliament building in Ankara.

An official says President Erdogan's plane has landed in Istanbul.

Turkish PM Binali Yildirim said the attempted coup against the government was an act of rebellion by followers of US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen - but the Alliance for Shared Values, a group close to Mr Gulen, has denied any involvement.

Protesters across Turkey in the streets to back President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Is Erdogan retaking control of Turkey?

The official Anadolu news agency has reported that supporters of the incumbent Turkish government, led by Labour Minister Suleyman Soylu, have entered the officers of the state broadcaster TRT and taken control.

Despite multiple reports that the Turkish parliament is under attack in Ankara Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, claimed: "situation [is] largely under control". Turkish state broadcaster TRT is apparently back on air.

And, contrary to earlier reports, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is expected to land at Istanbul Ataturk airport.

A man covered with blood points at the Bosphorus bridge

The Turkish parliament building in Ankara has been hit by bombing, says the state news agency. Other unconfirmed reports suggest shots being fired from a helicopter onto the building.

Turkish Justice Minister blames US-based cleric Fethulah Gulen for military coup

The Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag has said in a television interview this evening (16 July) that members of the group loyal to US-based cleric Fethulah Gulen were involved in the attempted military coup.

Despite the claims a source close to Gulen denies this and has condemned any military intervention in Turkish politics, according to Al-Arabiya.

First reports of deaths in Turkey

World leaders condemn the Turkish coup

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US Secretary of State John Kerry have called for support of the democratically-elected government in Turkey. Merkel via her spokesman that "the democratic order in Turkey must be respected and all must be done to protect lives" .

US Secretary of State John Kerry added that he has "absolute support for Turkey's democratically elected, civilian government and democratic institutions" in a phone call with Turkey's Foreign Minister.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has appealed for calm saying: "The secretary general is closely following developments in Turkey. He is aware of the reports of a coup attempt in the country," spokesman Farhan Haq stated.

Tanks open fire near Turkish parliament

Reports from Turkey suggest that tanks have opened fire near the Turkish parliament building in Ankara. Crowds had gathered near the parliament building in an attempt to show their support for the incumbent government.

Speaking on Facetime to CNN, Erdogan had called on his supporters to head to major public spaces and protest "an attempt at an uprising by a minority within our armed forces".

Obama urges restraint

US president Barack Obama has urged for restraint whilst supporting the democratically-elected Erdogan government.

UK-based travel agency Thomas Cook issues statement on Turkey coup attempt

A Thomas Cook spokesperson said: "We note the reports coming out of Turkey regarding a possible coup. There are no reports that guests in the resorts on the south coast of Turkey are affected.

"We are monitoring the situation closely and will update when we have further information."

This video appears to show some Turkish soldiers who attempted the coup that are now under police custody.

A Turkish fighter jet has been purportedly shot down a military helicopter used by coup plotters over Ankara, according to broadcaster NTV. The video in the Tweet below shows a low-flying jet over Ankara earlier. The broadcaster said a Sikorsky helicopter belonging to the rebel army group was downed by a Turkish military F-16 jet.

In another video published to Twitter gunfire is heard at the foot of the Bosporus bridge in Istanbul with the Associated Press reporting injuries.

With the situation in Turkey deteriorating rapidly footage has emerged appearing to feature a helicopter firing on civilians. In this video published to social media a helicopter purportedly fires at ground targets in the Turkish capital of Ankara.

Turkey's ruling AK Party is still in charge of the government, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus says in comments on live television. Earlier on Friday Turkey's military said in a statement that it had taken power to restore order and democratic rights.

US Embassy issues advice to citizens

The US Embassy in Ankara has informed US citizens that shots have been heard in Ankara and both bridges in Istanbul, the Bosphorous and Fatih Sultan Mehmet, which are now closed. The Turkish Government states that elements of the Turkish army are attempting an uprising, security forces are taking action to contain it, and some buildings are under blockade.

They say: "We urge US citizens to contact family and friends to let them know you are safe. We have seen reports that social media is blocked, but you can contact friends and family by email, telephone, or SMS.

"We encourage US citizens to shelter in place and do not go the U.S. Embassy or Consulates at this time. Monitor local press for updates, avoid areas of conflict, and exercise caution if you are in the vicinity of any military or security forces."

Gunfire heard in Istanbul

Reports suggest that gunfire has been heard in Taksim Square in the centre of Istanbul as reports of the attempted coup emerged, it is not clear which factions are attacking who. Journalist Oz Katerji has been broadcasting on Facebook Live from Taksim Square and he says the military are taking control of the area and that it is largely empty.

Meanwhile in Ankara state-run Anadolu agency says that Turkish military helicopters have opened fire at national intelligence agency headquarters in Ankara.

It has been reported that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan may be headed to London. It has been claimed that he is on a private jet and has been turned away from Germany, although IBTimes UK is unable to verify this.

Many flag-waving Turks have gathered in Istanbul's Taksim Square as a senior Turkish official has said loyalist forces are gaining control over rebel soldiers trying to overthrow the government.

Access to social media including sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have been blocked in Turkey after reports of a coup emerged, according to Reuters. "Turkey Blocks, a group that monitors internet shutdowns in the country, and Dyn, which monitors internet performance and traffic globally, both reported it was difficult or impossible to access social media services in Turkey," the report says.

Gunfire is heard in the Turkish capital of Ankara in new videos emerging on social media.

The UK Foreign office has advised British citizens in Turkey to avoid public places and remain vigilant until the situation there becomes clearer. A statement read: "we are concerned by events unfolding in Ankara and Istanbul."

Ned Price, spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, said: "The president's national security team has apprised him of the unfolding situation in Turkey. The president will continue to receive regular updates."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan denied the group had taken full control of the nation and said he would overcome what he called an 'uprising by a minority'. Earlier on in the evening he appeared on CNN Turk via a presenter's video phone blaming a "parallel state" for the coup.

Erdogan, who was said to have been on holidaay in the western resort of Marmaris, called on people to take to the streets to oppose the uprising according to the BBC.
He said: "I urge the Turkish people to convene at public squares and airports. I never believed in a power higher than the power of the people."

A statement by the Turkish military group was read on TV. It said that a "peace council" now ran the country and there was a curfew and martial law. There are reports some senior army officials have been detained by the group.

New British foreign secretary Boris Johnson has tweeted about his concern for Turkey and advising Brits to consult Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for advice.

A Turkish based journalist Diego Cupolo has tweeted that reports of shots have been fired near the parliament building in Ankara. He added that there have been reports of an explosion in the city.

A Turkish military group say that they have seized power in a military coup after gunfire and low flying jets were reported in the Turkish capital of Ankara. Soldiers closed off two key bridges in Istanbul and tanks were seen near the city's Ataturk Airport with rumours emerging that hostages have been taken by the army.

Military aircraft were heard flying low over Ankara this evening (Friday 15 July), with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim saying that there has been an "illegal attempt" to seize power, but "nothing will interrupt democracy" in the country.