LATEST: Turkish PM confirms govt in full control of country

In an address to the nation from capital Ankara, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim says the failed coup in the country was an attack on the country's democracy.

Yilidirim gave the latest figures from the overnight foiled coup.

He said in total, 161 people were killed throughout the country while 1,440 were injured.

In an inspirational display of nationalism, millions of Turkish citizens united throughout the country and ended an attempted coup by a faction of the military.

The faction, comprised roughly of a few thousand soldiers, declared martial law in the country last night as they attempted to overthrow the government.

But, the people had the last say and heeded calls made by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stop the coup.

Yildirim says he's extremely proud to be a Turkish national especially after last night's display of "exceptional unity."

"We once again stood together as a nation. We are many ethnicities collected under one flag, but yet we came together under the crescent and star for one purpose which we successfully fulfilled."

He thanked the nation for uniting and said Turkey had "showed the world how one country can come together to defeat a common enemy."

Fethullah Gulen

Yildirim echoed Erdogan's statement by saying the failed coup was orchestrated and financed by radical leader Fethullah Gulen and his Gulenist movement.

The Gulenist movement as its known, has been officially labelled as a terrorist organisation.

Gulenists are known for attempts at destabilising the country.

An official extradition request has been made for Gulen, who is in the USA on a self-imposed exile.

Yildirim says Gulen must return to Turkey to face charges of treason and terrorism as he is running out of options after the failed coup.

"Nobody, not a single country is now standing behind him after the failed coup. He must face justice in this country."

Turkey banned the death penalty some 15 years ago, but Yildirim says an urgent meeting with parliamentarians and law-makers is already on the agenda to find an appropriate punishment for coup plotters.

Around 2,839 soldiers who were involved were arrested.

"These traitors don't deserve any rank," Yildirim said with regards to the top generals who were arrested.

He says the government knows about all those involved and action will be taken against those who supported the failed coup in any way.

Yildirim ended his address by saying it was not the time to discuss if any other countries were involved.

Author: Abed Ahmed

KaydetKaydetKaydetKaydet