BREAKING NEWS – Military Coup Underway In Turkey

This story is breaking…..

A military coup is underway in Turkey. European Union observers are reporting that military forces have taken control of airports and strategic points across Istanbul while both sides are claiming they are in power. The coup is claiming victory while the Erdogan government is claiming it remains in power.

The UK Guardian is reporting that “people are running in all directions,” in Istanbul while “restaurants and shops are closing,” and “cars are honking their horns and driving on the wrong side of the road.”

The Telegraph reports President Erdogan has given a statement saying that it is “an uprising attempt by a minority within the military,” and spoke of a “parallel structure” within the Turkish government.

Erdogan reportedly attempted to fly back to Turkey, but was refused landing clearance in Istanbul, and is now seeking asylum in Germany.

[wps_products_gallery product_id=”4347567145011, 4392315519027, 4334006566963″]

Update: 5:55 PM EST

WATCH: Tank rolls through Istanbul, Turkey amid report of military coup (via @Ayyinemikeder) https://t.co/qtt2z3vwL4https://t.co/n5XKewX1Yt

— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) 15 July 2016

Update: 5:48 PM EST

BREAKING: President Erdogan live on tv on Facetime: I'm calling on everyone to gather at public squares and airports pic.twitter.com/5d4Ct6DvuF

— Selin Girit (@selingirit) 15 July 2016

Update: 5:30 PM EST

All flights from Istanbul’s Ataturk airport have reportedly been canceled. According to the UK Telegraph, troops have been seen at the headquarters of the state television channel, TRT, in Ankara.

Update, 5:25 PM EST

The U.S. military forces based in Turkey are now at “Force Protection Condition Delta,” their highest alert level.

Two bridges in Istanbul are closed in one direction by the military.

A report from the U.S. Embassy in Ankara said military-appearing jets had been flying low over the city and over Istanbul for about an hour with some footage coming in of gunfire from helicopter's above the city as well.

Ankara'daki jetler pic.twitter.com/iCTd5ARKVw

— Hazal Koptagel (@HazalKoptagel) 15 July 2016