Turkish Military Attempts to Seize Control of Government

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15 July, 2016

The military in Turkey said Friday that it has taken control of the country.

In a statement, the military said it had "fully seized control" of the government.

However, Prime Minister Binali Yildrim told private NTV television Friday, "Some people illegally undertook an illegal action outside of the chain of command."

The prime minister said a small group, and not the entire army, was behind the events.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with a local TV station on the video service Facetime. He urged the Turkish people to go to the streets.

Istanbul's two main bridges across the Bosphorus Strait separating Europe and Asia were blocked on Friday.

U.S. military and diplomatic officials are seeking more information about the situation in Turkey.

For the latest news about events in Turkey, go to the VOANEWS website.


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