The Turkish military apparently staged a coup on Friday night, deploying military onto the streets of Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey’s largest city and capital respectively.

The Turkish armed forces released an official statement saying it had seized power and taken over the government, and that " all existing foreign relations will continue," Reuters reported.

"The rule of law must remain the priority," the military reportedly said in its statement.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, who took office in May, confirmed reports of an “attempt” at an “uprising” by sections of the military.

"We're considering it as an uprising attempt, we will not allow it to succeed," Yildirim said on private television channel NTV. "The insurgency by the military won't be tolerated."

"The government elected by the people remains in charge. This government will only go when the people say so. Our security forces will use force against force."

The military closed two major bridges leading into Istanbul and has reportedly been telling residents that a "curfew has been imposed" and to "go home." (...)