| July 15, 2016 | 21:49 GMT |
 | Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has said that a faction within the military has staged a coup against the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, pictured at a press conference in Mogadishu Somalia on June 3. (MOHAMED ABDIWAHAB/AFP/Getty Images) |
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Analysis
Editor’s Note:Stratfor is closely tracking a developing situation in Turkey. As with any breaking situation, details are still emerging, and confirmed information is scarce. We will regularly update this space, including a geopolitical overview of the implications of such military action in Turkey itself, and what this may mean for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was last reported on vacation in Bodrum, on Turkey’s southwestern coast.
Coup Forces Storm CNN Turk Office in Istanbul
Forces supporting the ongoing coup attempt in Turkey have entered the offices of CNN Turk, the media outlet reported July 15. An anchor said she was being taken off the air by supporters of the coup. Though the station’s broadcast has yet to be cut, no program is occuring.
Erdogan Lands in Istanbul
A plane carrying Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan just landed at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport, Flight Radar 24 showed on July 15.
Dismissed Colonel Behind the Coup
Reports indicate that Col. Muharrem Kose, a former military legal counsel who was dismissed from his position in March, is behind the ongoing coup attempt in Turkey, Anadolu Agency reported July 15. At least three other co-conspirators are believed to be complicit in the plot.
Explosion Heard at Parliament Building
An explosion has reportedly taken place at the Turkish parliament building, Anadolu Agency reported July 15. The report coincides with various accounts of a loud blast occurring in Istanbul, Reuters reported. Stratfor could not verify the authenticity of the reports.
F-16 Fighter Jets Allegedly Shoot Down Helicopter
Turkish F-16 fighter jets reportedly shot down a helicopter carrying supporters of the ongoing attempted military coup on July 15, CNN reported. The jets were seen making flyovers during the outbreak of the coup earlier in the evening.
Soldiers Reportedly Fire On Protesters on Bosporus Bridge
Turkish soldiers have reportedly fired on protesters trying to cross Istanbul’s Bosporus Bridge, AP reported July 15. The crowds were taking part in demonstrations against the recently executed military coup.
Iran: Government Closes Border With Turkey, Reports Say
Iran has closed its border with Turkey, journalists said via Twitter on July 15. Stratfor could not confirm the accuracy of these reports.
Tanks Fire Near Parliament Building
Tank fire has been heard near the Turkish parliament building. Gunfire has been heard near the airport in Istanbul, according to Reuters.
Former President Denounces Coup
Turkey’s 1st army commander, Umit Dundar, has said the army does not support the coup. Former President Abdullah Gul also rejects coup, according to Daily Sabah.
Anti-Coup Protests Have Begun
Tanks are reportedly facing down anti-coup protesters in Ankara and Istanbul. Riot police are said to be firing guns in air and telling the military to leave.
President Reportedly Seeking Asylum In Germany
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is reportedly seeking asylum in Germany, after first landing in Istanbul and being turned away, senior U.S. military sources said, MNBC reported July 15. Erdogan is reportedly still in the plane on the way to Germany.
All Staff Of State Television Channel Told To Stay Home
All staff for the Turkish state television channel TRT have been told to stay home, unconfirmed reports via Twitter from journalists showed. According to the reports, no broadcast will take place at least until after the morning of July 16.
Military Statement Claims Takeover
The Turkish military has reportedly claimed in a statement that it has taken control of the country, Reuters reported July 15.
Military Active in the Streets of Istanbul
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildrim has confirmed through his Twitter account that a coup is underway in Turkey. The announcement comes after news that military forces were active in the streets of Istanbul and Ankara and blocking the Bosporus bridges in Istanbul.
There have also been reports of gunfire at military headquarters in Ankara and of Turkish F-16s flying over the cities. The Ataruk airport in Istanbul is under army control. Turkish President Erdogan is reportedly on vacation in Bodrum, southwestern Turkey.
