Military attempts coup in Turkey, Erdogan remains defiant

Turkish military, on Friday night, attempted to overthrow the democratically elected government in the country. 

State broadcaster TRT was taken off air and loud explosions were heard in many parts of the country. Reports claim that the military has ceased control of Istanbul airport. 

Reuters reported that firing in Ataturk was also heard. 

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan has been in power since 2003. He told private broadcaster CNN Turk that the coup was an attempt by a faction of the military and called on his supporters to take to the street in defiance, Reuters reported. 

"We will overcome this," Erdogan said, speaking by mobile phone to the Turkish sister station of CNN. 

Reports also suggest that the 42 people have been killed in Ankara during the military's coup attempt. 

Meanwhile, India's foreign ministry advised all Indians in Turkey to avoid public places and remain indoors until the situation there becomes clearer in view of a military coup. It has also provided emergency help contact numbers.

"Our Embassy in Ankara advises Indian nationals in Turkey to avoid public places and remain indoors until the situation there becomes clearer," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

The Emergency contact numbers for Indian nationals:

In Istanbul: +905305671095.
 

(With IANS, Reuters)