The PM has described the ongoing events as an “illegal attempt to seize power”, according to the Daily Telegraph, while reports from the country suggest he has specifically held “part of the military” responsible.
Turkish PM Yildirim confirms there is an attempted military intervention.
— Mustafa Edib Yılmaz (@MustafaEdib) 15 июля 2016 г.
He has reportedly stated on national television that the coup will not be allowed to succeed.
BREAKING NEWS: TURKISH TV RIGHT NOW.pic.twitter.com/YYuyJjzSfE
— Breaking News Feed (@pzf) 15 июля 2016 г.
There have been as-yet-unconfirmed reports of a nation-wide shutdown of social media, with multiple people claiming Turkish citizens have been unable to access Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, among other platforms.
According to a Reuters witness, military jets and helicopters have been heard flying over Turkey’s capital, Ankara, where gunfire has also been heard, while helicopters were also reported by eye-witnesses in Istanbul.
Reports have since emerged that Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport has been seized by the country’s military.