60 killed in Turkey as government declares coup over

No fewer than 60 people, 42 of them police officers, were killed in overnight clashes as soldiers tried to overthrow the Turkish government.

President Recep Erdogan, who had used an Iphone Facetime to call on the people to come out on the streets and resist the coup plotters, has now flown back to Istanbul, the country’s second most important city.

He was met by cheering supporters who obeyed his call and contributed in frustrating the coup in the city.  

Earlier, in a broadcast from the city’s Ataturk International Airport, he described the coup as an act of treason and promised that the country’s military would be “cleansed”.

“They have pointed the people’s guns against the people. The president, whom 52 percent of the people brought to power, is in charge. This government brought to power by the people is in charge. They won’t succeed as long as we stand against them by risking everything,” Mr Erdogan told cheering supporters outside the airport.

Flight, which was suspended in the Ataturk airport after the coup plotters initially took over, has now resumed as normalcy is gradually returning to the city.

Mr Erdogan is originally from Istanbul and was the former Mayor of the city. He enjoys widespread supports from inhabitants.

However, the situation in the country’s capital, Ankara, is still very hazy. The rebel soldier earlier bombed the country’s parliament and the presidential palace. The renegade soldiers also seems to be in control of the Presidential palace.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, however, said the situation was largely under control. He has ordered the military to shoot down aircraft being used by coup plotters.

So far, more than 754 soldiers allegedly involved in the coup, have been arrested.

Meanwhile, the military Chief of Staff, General Hulusi Akar, who was initially kidnaped by the rebel soldiers, has been rescued and is being taken to a safe place, Turkey state-run news, Anadolu agency, reports.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said security forces have defeated the coup plotters in several places, including police and government buildings,

 “There is no where they have proper control,” Mr. Bozdag said. “God willing, they will be defeated in the remaining areas and those in the air will be brought down.”

Turkey’s Police Chief, Celalettin Lekesiz, said 16 coup plotters were killed in clashes at Turkey’s military police command.

​