Turkish military attempting coup, prime minister says

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey's prime minister says a group within Turkey's military has engaged in what appeared to be an attempted coup.

Binali Yildirim told NTV television: "it is correct that there was an attempt."

A military statement read on state TRT television cited rising autocratic rule and increased terrorism.

But CNN-Turk has quoted Defense Minister Fikri Isik as describing it as a "pirate statement."

Earlier, another statement published by the private Dogan news agency says that the military has "fully seized control" of the country.

Yildirim didn't provide details, but said Turkey would never allow any "initiative that would interrupt democracy."

Earlier, military jets were heard flying over the capital, Ankara and gunfire was heard in the city.

Media reports said ambulances were seen in front of the Turkey's military headquarters.