Turkish PM: 161 people killed, 1440 wounded

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım has said that July 15 became the day of the "democracy feast", attributing the efforts of the Turkish people against the failed coup attempt over Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's call urging people to take to the streets.

"As many as 161 people were martyred and 1440 others wounded. Also, 2,839 soldiers were detained. The group that attempted the coup should understand that they should never ever test the democracy passion of Turkish people again," Yıldırım said in a news conference in the capital Ankara.

"The Turkish nation was on guard duty against the parallel structure members' attempted coup as they ran to the squares with Turkish flags in their hands. I congratulate all our commanders and officers who love their country and fight for it along with the political parties, the non-governmental organization and the brave nation that played an important role against the attempt, " Yıldırım said.

"The happenings had shown that Turkey has wide experience with democracy. We will never forget the martyred people that stood against the group that blocked the bridge and entered the buildings. I also thank all the ally countries that supported Turkey. However, any country that stands by this attempt will not be a friend of Turkey and will be considered at war with the NATO member," the Turkish PM explained.

"The first stage is over as the coup was disabled. All measures will be taken against those who attempted to discredit our nation," he added. "The parallel structure is now in the hands of Turkish justice and (they) are to face the justice they deserve," said the PM, adding that arrests are still being made.

"The detainees included both ordinary soldiers and high-ranking officers. Treachery cannot be ranked," he added.

Turkey's Yıldırım also said that necessary legal changes are to be made as soon as possible against any other possible attempt.

"The death penalty is not in the constitution, but Turkey will consider legal changes to make sure this doesn't happen again," PM stated.

The Prime Minister called on Turkish citizens to fill town and city squares with flags on Saturday evening and said parliament would meet at 1200 GMT to discuss the attempt.

A faction of the military attempted to overthrow the government late on Friday, by using tanks and helicopters, blocking bridges and taking over some media outlets.

Previously, Turkish President Erdoğan said that the Parallel State Structure has fully been revealed as a result of their act yesterday evening after the 17-25 December.

“As was seen, they showed blatant examples of a terrorist act. They are so despicable as to direct the weapons, bought with the means and money that belong to the nation and the poor, at this nation,” he said.