The U.S. State Department on Friday advised its citizens in Turkey shelter in place and not attempt to go to the U.S. Embassy or consulates amid an ongoing military coup.

"Continue to shelter in place in Turkey. Do not attempt to go to US Embassy or Consulates at this time," the State Department said in an message for U.S. citizens in Turkey via its Twitter account.

It urged U.S. citizens in Turkey to contact loved ones directly "to let them know if you're okay," it said in another tweet.

"Use email/SMS/telephone if social media blocked," it said.

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara has informed U.S. citizens that "shots fired and explosions have been heard in Ankara and both bridges in Istanbul, the Bosphorous and Fatih Sultan Mehmet, are now closed," the State Department said in an Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens about the "Turkey Uprising" on its twitter account.

It also asked U.S. citizens to monitor local press for updates,  avoid areas of conflict, and exercise caution if being in the vicinity of any military or security forces.

Earlier, U.S. President Barack Obama received briefings from his national security aides on the ongoing situation in Turkey, a NATO ally and part of the U.S. coalition in fighting the terror group Islamic State.

"The president's national security team has apprised him of the unfolding situation in Turkey. The president will continue to receive regular updates," said National Security Council spokesman Ned Price in a tweet.

A military statement issued on Turkish media said Friday the Turkish armed forces have fully seized power in the country but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said early Saturday that the coup attempt has failed, urging people to take to the streets to protect democracy.

The military move was made to restore the constitutional order,  democracy, human rights, freedom and the rule of law, the military statement said.

Source:
courtesy of XINHUA NEWS AGENCY

by Xinhua News Agency

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