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Gunfire, Troops On Streets Reported In Turkey

July 15, 2016

Turkish security forces have closed portions of both of the Bosphorus bridges in Istanbul that link the European continent with Asia.

Meanwhile, Reuters and AFP report that military jets and helicopters have been deployed over Turkey's capital, Ankara.

Reuters said gunfire could be heard in Anakra as the aircraft flew over at a low altitude.

Local television channels in Istanbul reported the closures of the Bosphorus bridges but did not immediately provide a reason.

Footage by Turkey’s Dogan News Agency showed cars and buses being diverted from the bridges as a result of the unprecedented closures.

More than 180,000 vehicles pass every day in both directions across the bridges.

Turkey has suffered numerous attacks during the past year that have been blamed on Islamic State (IS) militants, including the triple suicide bombing on June 28 at Istanbul Ataturk airport that killed 47 and injured more than 200.

The country has also been targeted by deadly attacks blamed on Kurdish militants.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, and Dogan News Agency

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/istanbul-bridges-closed- military-aircraft-deployed-over-ankara/27860918.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.