DHAKA: At least 60 people, most of them civilians, died in overnight clashes in Istanbul during coup attempt by a portion of Turkish Army. An official in Turkish President’s office confirmed the death toll. 

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has flown in to Istanbul, after an army group said that it took over the country.

He was seen surrounded by cheering supporters, and said the coup attempt was an ‘act of treason’ and the army must be cleansed in a live TV speech.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the situation was largely under control and 336 people had so far been arrested.

He has ordered the military to shoot down aircraft being used by coup plotters.

Earlier, one of the helicopters being flown by forces involved in the coup attempt was shot down over Ankara.

Meanwhile, the whereabouts of the military chief of staff, Gen Hulusi Akar, are still unknown. He is reported to have been taken hostage by rebel soldier.

Sporadic gunfire is still reported in major cities.

Reports also say rebel soldiers in some areas have been surrendering their weapons to police loyal to Erdogan.

The surrender of one unit of 60 soldiers, who had taken control of one of the Bosphorus bridges in Istanbul, was shown live on TV on Saturday morning.

Istanbul's main Ataturk airport is now under army control and flights - which had been interrupted for some hours - were due to resume from 06:00 (03:00 GMT).

It is unclear who is leading the plotting army group, or how much support it enjoys.

The group earlier declared that a ‘peace council’ now ran the country and there was a curfew and martial law.

BDST: 1044 HRS, July 16, 2016
SAS/AKA