Turkish prime minister says attempted coup underway, calls for calm

A group within Turkey’s military has attempted to overthrow the government and security forces have been called in to “do what is necessary”, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Friday.

“Some people illegally undertook an illegal action outside of the chain of command,” Yildirim said in comments broadcast by private channel NTV.

“The government elected by the people remains in charge. This government will only go when the people say so.”

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said those responsible for what he described as an attempted coup by a faction within the military on Friday would pay the highest price.