An announcement on the Turkish state broadcaster TRT said that a curfew has been declared across Turkey and that airports are closed.
The announcer said that the officers are being made to read a statement by the military.
The statement promised a new constitution for the country and said that democracy and the secular rule of law had been undermined.
Martial law has also been imposed.
The head of the Istanbul branch of Turkey’s ruling AK party told reporter that some soldiers entered the party building and asked them to leave
More details from the statement read out on the state broadcaster TRT at the behest of the military faction that seems to be behind the coup: It said that the freedom of Turkish citizens is guaranteed by what is referred to as a “peace council,” regardless of religion, race or language.
It said that the Peace Council will not allow public order to be damaged.
However, the Turkish government still claims to be in charge.
An EU source monitoring events told Reuters that military forces have control of airports and strategic points in Istanbul.
Meanwhile, the US President, Barack Obama has been briefed by aides on events in Turkey, the White House said Friday.
“The president’s national security team has appraised him of the unfolding situation in Turkey,” said National Security Council spokesman, Ned Price.
“The president will continue to receive regular updates.” [myad]
