The state-run Anadolu news agency said the chief of Turkey’s military staff was among people taken “hostage” in the capital Ankara. Yildirim said a group within Turkey’s military had attempted to overthrow the government and security forces have been called in to “do what is necessary”. Turkey’s military said on Friday it had seized power, but the prime minister said the attempted coup would be put down. All of Turkey’s existing foreign relations would be maintained and the rule of law would remain the priority, it said. After serving as prime minister from 2003, Erdogan was elected president in 2014 with plans to alter the constitution to give the previously ceremonial presidency far greater executive powers.

Source: Hindustan Times July 15, 2016 20:34 UTC