– Global alarm –
Reports said that flights into Istanbul’s main international airport had been halted. The Bosphorus bridges were closed in both directions and completely empty of traffic.
The coup plotters sought to reassure the international community, saying in their statement: “All our international agreements and commitments retain their validity.”
It added: “We hope our good relations will continue with all countries in the world.”
But there was a flood of concerned reactions from around the globe, with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini calling for “restraint and respect for democratic institutions”.
US President Barack Obama has been briefed, while the Kremlin said it was “deeply concerned” by the developments.
“Everything must be done to protect human lives,” said a spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
A Greek government source said Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had been “briefed by the head of secret services” about the developments.