Clashes During Attempted Coup in Turkey Leave Over 100 Military, 47 Civilians Dead

World » SOUTHEAST EUROPE | July 16, 2016, Saturday // 10:52
Bulgaria: Clashes During Attempted Coup in Turkey Leave Over 100 Military, 47 Civilians Dead People occupy a tank in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July 2016. Photo: EPA

The number of people killed in the unsuccessful attempt for coup carried out by a group within the Turkish military overnight has increased to 150. Previously, the president's office had reported a death toll of sixty.

Since then, at least sixteen participants in the coup have been reported as killed in clashes occurring at the military police command.

Among the casualties are at least 104 participants in the coup and 47 civilians, The Guardian informs. At least 1154 other people have been wounded.

According to the latest reports, 200 unarmed soldiers at the Turkish military headquarters have surrendered to police. More than 1500 soldiers have been detained for participation in the coup and five generals have been suspended.

The attempt for coup started late on Friday night when a group within the military claimed that it had taken control over Turkey, imposing a martial law and curfew. It had occupied strategic positions in Istanbul and Ankara, sealing off the two bridges across the Bosphorus and also gaining control of Ataturk airport.

Turkish military jets could be seen flying over Ankara and senior military officials had been taken hostages at military headquarters, including Turkish Chief of the General Staff. The rebels had also seized the state broadcaster in Ankara.

Denouncing the rebels, Turkish President Recep Erdogan called on citizens to take to the streets and oppose the attempt for coup.

This was followed by armed clashes between police and armed forces loyal to the government and the rebel soldiers. Civilians were also involved in the ensuing clashes.

The parliament and presidential palace buildings in Ankara were bombed, while helicopters of both the rebel soldiers and police forces were downed.

By early Saturday morning, the government claimed it had regained control and announced the coup had failed.

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Tags: turkey, Coup, army, military, Istanbul, Ankara, Coup

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