Turkish civilians stormed rebel tanks, overwhelmed soldiers

Extraordinary footage from Friday’s overnight coup attempt in Turkey has shown numerous instances of civilians blocking tanks, climbing onto them and physically assaulting the rebel soldiers.

Thousands of civilians loyal to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took to the streets after the leader urged supporters to do so. Local news agencies showed large crowds of angry citizens heeding his call, overwhelming military forces that had rolled into Istanbul and Ankara, blocking airports and key bridges.

Some soldiers opened fire on crowds, causing casualties. Over 160 people were said killed by the rebel forces and almost 1,500 wounded. Around 100 of the insurgent military troops were killed.

The attempt to seize power began late Friday, with a military statement saying forces had seized control “to reinstall the constitutional order, democracy, human rights and freedoms, to ensure that the rule of law once again reigns in the country, for law and order to be reinstated.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXuv5b_S-9A

The uprising appears not to have been backed by the most senior ranks of the military, and top commanders went on television to condemn the action and order troops back to their barracks.

By early Saturday, the putsch had fizzled, as police, soldiers and civilians loyal to the government confronted plotters.

In images broadcast on CNN-Turk, dozens of soldiers walked among tanks with their hands held up, surrendering to government forces. Discarded gear was strewn on the ground. Some flag-waving people climbed onto the tanks.

NTV television showed a Turkish colonel and other soldiers on their knees being searched and taken into custody at military headquarters. The Hurriyet newspaper, quoting investigators, said some privates told them they were not even aware they were part of a coup attempt but thought they were on military maneuvers.

Colonels and generals implicated in the rebellion were fired and loyal troops rescued the military chief who had been taken hostage at an air base on the outskirts of Ankara, the capital.

Erdogan, who was on a seaside vacation when tanks rolled into the streets of Ankara and Istanbul, vowed that those responsible “will pay a heavy price for their treason.”

“They have pointed the people’s guns against the people. The president, whom 52 percent of the people brought to power, is in charge. This government brought to power by the people is in charge,” Erdogan told large crowds after landing at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport early Saturday morning.