Coup attempt in Turkey

[OttoVonBismarck]

If there are explosions at TRT which we know the coup seized, that suggests to me someone is assaulting their position with decent firepower. If that's the case it may indeed just be a small junta trying this.

[mongers]

If this coup succeeds expect plenty of evidence, real or made up, to presented showing was Erdogan in league with ISIL.

Probably responsible for Izal as well

That's rough stuff, though maybe they won't be able to make the dirt stick to it?

[OttoVonBismarck]

With the mass demonstrations for Erdogan in the streets, if the military is truly united their only mechanism to win would be to disperse the crowds--which will be a blood path similar to those we saw in Ukraine's Maidan.

[Malicious Intent]

Just saw a short video of bursts of air-to-ground tracer fire on TV. Looked like a helicopter gunship's canon.

[Solmyr]

Ignore photos being circulated of extremely large demonstrations. These are from last year.

[mongers]

FS Boris Johnson response:

@BorisJohnson    13m

Very concerned by events unfolding in #Turkey. Our Embassy is monitoring the situation closely. Brits should follow FCO website for advice

[Habbaku]

And now just saw one of my good friends is currently in Istanbul airport...

Hope your friend is okay.  I am sure the army wants the airport protected, however.

[OttoVonBismarck]

I'm hearing reports military tanks firing around the airport; other reports about heavily armed police units in APCs rallying. Things could get ugly.

[Valmy]

I am glad we have the steady hand of Boris Johnson leading the Western Allies in these troubled times.

[Malicious Intent]

I'm hearing reports military tanks firing around the airport; other reports about heavily armed police units in APCs rallying. Things could get ugly.

Reuters and Anadolu report helicopters firing on the police HQ and tanks firing near the parliament.

[Legbiter]

I am glad we have the steady hand of Boris Johnson leading the Western Allies in these troubled times.

Brexit is indeed looking more and more like excellent timing.

[OttoVonBismarck]

Everything I'm reading suggesting more fighting at the airport--I have to imagine it's seen as a major strategic point for the pro-Erdogan police. With it under police control they could probably more easily move pro-regime forces into the capital to help fight the military, I would think.

[Tamas]

So what are the odds of a stalemate devolving into an eventual Syria situation in Turkey?

[Richard Hakluyt]

I am glad we have the steady hand of Boris Johnson leading the Western Allies in these troubled times.

Brexit is indeed looking more and more like excellent timing.

I've always believed that brexit will look like pretty small beer as the next few years unfold.

[mongers]

I'm hearing reports military tanks firing around the airport; other reports about heavily armed police units in APCs rallying. Things could get ugly.

Reuters and Anadolu report helicopters firing on the police HQ and tanks firing near the parliament.

Reuters witness says one helicopter:

Reuters World 
@ReutersWorld    

MORE: Military helicopter opens fire over Turkish capital Ankara - Reuters witness

Also Washington's assessment:

Reuters World 
@ReutersWorld     
United States believes coup attempt underway in Turkey, unclear who is winning - U.S. government sources
2:47 PM - 15 Jul 2016