The Turkish Military takes control of the government.
In a surprise move, the Turkish Military staged a coup on the Erdogan government this evening. In a matter of hours, troops and tanks blocked bridges and took control of state media. Social media sites were blocked. This coup was executed while President Erdogan is vacationing in Marmaris, near Bodrum. He has denounced the coup attempt and is calling for the Turkish people to occupy public buildings and spaces. Martial law has been implemented by a group referring to themselves as the Turkish Peace Council. The Council has declared the purpose of the coup is to pursue democratic ways and increase human rights in the country.
Additionally, news reports and the State department have reported that Istanbul’s Ataturk’s airport is closed. A quick look at ADS-B data shows that flights are arriving into Turkey but does not show any departures.
All flights at Ataturk Airport in #Istanbul are currently suspended.
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) July 15, 2016
As a member of NATO, it will certainly be interesting to see how America reacts as they launch strikes on ISIS from bases in southern Turkey. American forces must decide to withdraw from these bases or rule that the coup does not pose a threat to US interests and policy and continue to launch strikes on ISIS from Turkish bases.
Below is a Tweet showing an extremely low flying Turkish F-16 over Istanbul.
Ankara’daki jetler pic.twitter.com/iCTd5ARKVw
— Hazal Koptagel (@HazalKoptagel) July 15, 2016
