Turkey: Death Toll Rises To 161 Following Coup Attempt
161 people were killed and more than 1,400 injured across Turkey during Friday night’s coup attempt, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Saturday.
In a night he called a “black stain on Turkish democracy”, Yildirim also confirmed some 2,839 soldiers, including high-ranking officers, have been arrested following the attempt.
According to Turkey’s acting military chief of staff, Umit Dundar, 104 of the fatalities were “coup plotters.”
He added that others killed in clashes included 41 police officers, two soldiers and 47 civilians. The attempted coup was quashed by those who “sided with democracy and the rule of law”, Dundar said. “The people have taken to the streets and voiced their support for democracy,” he said.
“Turkey displayed a historic cooperation between the government and the people. The nation will never forget this betrayal.”
Friday night’s coup attempt saw tanks open fire near parliament buildings and military planes flying low over head, as Turkish soldiers took to the streets declaring martial law.
However, the coup was quickly repressed, with Turkish President Erdogan insisting his elected government remained in charge.
