Esra Kaymak Avci
WASHINGTON (AA) – A coup attempt in Turkey was “foiled by the Turkish people in unity and solidarity,” Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said in a statement distributed by foreign missions.
“Our president and government are in charge,” according to the statement, carried by Turkey’s Washington Embassy and Permanent Mission to the UN on Friday.
“Turkish armed forces was not involved in the coup attempt in its entirety. It was conducted by a clique within the armed forces and received a well-deserved response from our nation,” it added.
A chaotic night began late Friday with reports of soldiers trying to wrestle control of bridges and key functions in major cities, and turned into a nightmare when army helicopters began airstrikes and shelled key locations in the capital, Ankara.
Bombs struck near the Turkish Grand Assembly, witnesses said, injuring 12 people, and leaving two in critical condition.
Airborne shelling at several locations including the ruling AK Party headquarters, the presidential complex and the General Staff have been reported.
Prime Minister Binali Yildirim announced a no-fly zone has been enforced above Ankara, adding that army commanders, including Chief of Staff Hulusi Akar, are on duty and working to stop the illegal military action.
Millions of Turks spent the night on streets acorss Turkey in a show of support for the Turkish government.
Dozens of police officials were martyred during the operations to retain control of the government.
