Initial Disclosure from Armed Forces: There Are Casualties and Arrests

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The first statement from Turkish Armed Forces has been made by Vice Chief of General Command Dündar.

Ümit Dündar, "Our President, Prime Minister, ministers, Grand National Assembly of Turkey and Turkish Armed forces in total solidarity have prevented this coup attempt by standing for democracy and law.

Dündar has noted that 41 police officers, 2 soldiers and 47 civilians have lost their lives, 1,154 persons have been injured and 104 soldiers involved in the coup attempts have been killed. He has added that  563 soldiers including Brigadier General Sadık Köroğlu in charge of the Gendarmerie Schools Commandership in Ankara and Brigadier General Özkan Aydoğdu.

Dündar has stated that the mobilisation has been initiated by a group outside of the chain of command in İstanbul, Ankara and certain other provinces of Turkey.

“Many commanders in Turkish General Staff Headquarters and other positions have been captured by persons at coup command and been taken to certain places at first.

“[...] We have observed activities aiming at seizing control of the state in certain provinces besides Ankara and İstanbul. [...] Our President, Prime Minister, ministers, Grand National Assembly of Turkey and Turkish Armed forces in total solidarity have prevented this coup attempt by standing for democracy and law “

“[...] During this attempt, Turkey has unfortunately witnessed the insanity of a group which has bombed its own Parliament, institutions and has fired at its own people. (EA/DG)