Turkey’s army claimed Friday that it has taken full control of the country with the aim of “restoring democracy.”

“All international accords will remain in effect. We expect to maintain good relations with all countries,” the General Staff said in a statement.

At the same time, the Anadolu news agency said that the army chief of staff, Gen. Hulusi Akar, had been taken hostage by a group of soldiers.

The takeover announcement followed an acknowledgement by the Prime Minister’s office that elements of the military launched “an illegal attempt” to seize power.

“We are working on the possibility of an attempt. We will not allow this attempt,” the Prime Minister told NTV television. “It would be wrong to call it a coup.”

He acknowledged that rebellious soldiers had “surrounded some important buildings.”

“Those who are in this illegal act will pay the highest price,” Yildirim said, insisting Turkey would never allow any “initiative that would interrupt democracy.”

Turkish news agency Dogan reported that numerous ambulances rushed to the headquarters of the armed forces general staff, where witnesses said they heard shots.

The main offices of the intelligence service came under attack from a helicopter, online daily T24 said, while large numbers of police were seen on the streets of Ankara.

In Istanbul, security forces closed the two bridges across the Bosporus that connect the European and Asian sectors of the metropolis and tanks were deployed at Atatürk Airport, NTV said. EFE

Ankara, Jul 15 (EFE)