Group announces military coup in Turkey

 A group within the Armed Forces of Turkey claims to have taken control of the country's government. A statement from a military group sent by the Turkish broadcaster NTV says that "the power of the country was completely taken"

To recover our human, constitutional and democratic rights, are officially taking control of the country," the wing of the armed forces responsible for the revolt, which keeps the former chief of the general staff hostage, according to the ANSA news agency.

Through an advertisement in the Turkish broadcaster TRT, the military decreed a curfew across the country and declared martial law, which restricts the freedom of civilians. The announcement also promises a new constitution.

Security forces were called to "do whatever is necessary," said Minister Binali Yildirim Prime, who denounced a military coup on Friday. "Some people have undertaken an illegal action outside the command line," Yildirim said in comments broadcast on Turkish NTV, adding that those responsible will be punished. "The elected government is still in charge. This government will only leave when people want it.

"The CNN reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is in a "safe" place.



Traffic on major bridges of Istanbul has been blocked and tanks can be seen on the streets. The airport was closed and all flights canceled. Fighter jets fly over the capital Ankara, where exchanges of fire were reported by witnesses.