Turkish prime minister confirms military is attempting a coup


Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim confirmed on television that a group within the military is attempting a coup after reports of low-flying military planes, tanks, and bridge closures in Istanbul. Yildirim said only a portion of the Turkish military was behind the effort, and cautioned against using the word "coup," but said security forces are working to end the situation. "Those behind this will pay the heaviest price," Yildirim said, adding that the military group was acting was made without chain of command.
Planes are also deployed over the Turkish capital of Ankara, where a Reuters witness reported hearing gunshots. "This is not a joke," a Turkish soldier told one journalist.
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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
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