Australians in Turkey have been warned to stay off city streets where tense scenes and fatal clashes have unfolded during an attempted military coup.
A faction of the Turkish military plunged the country into chaos with its announced takeover on Friday night, and at least 60 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the capital of Ankara overnight, according to the Turkish prosecutor’s office.
The parliament was bombed, media broadcasters shut down and police and protesters reportedly killed by fire from helicopter gunships controlled by coup plotters. There were reports of rebel soldiers using a tank to fire on officers who attempted to regain control of a bridge across the river Bosphorus in Istanbul.
Australia’s foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop, said in a statement on Saturday that the situation was “highly fluid” and Australians in Turkey should “be vigilant, monitor media, follow the direction of local authorities and advise friends and family in Australia that they are safe”.
Louise Matthieson, an Australian environmental campaigner staying in a small hotel in central Istanbul about 500m from the Sultan Ahmed mosque, said she heard gunfire and four explosions overnight, “one that shook the ground”.
“There were many jets flying low over the city and helicopters with no lights on racing about,” she told Guardian Australia on Saturday morning.
“The street outside our hotel is very quiet this morning. Hotel staff say things are going back to normal but hard to tell.
“I saw a navy vessel coming south from the Bosphorus and there are still helicopters around. I can also see normal passenger ferries operating. There is a group of tourists here and we are all staying put for now.”
Matthieson, who is due to fly out of Turkey on Wednesday, was told by hotel staff that police were guarding the precinct overnight to protect tourists.
It had been difficult for her to come by clear information about events on the ground amid intermittent internet, phone and social media connections.
Bishop said she had been in contact with the Australian ambassador in Ankara, James Larsen, and that “our priority is the safety of Australian citizens in Turkey”.
Updated travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warned that that the “security situation in Turkey remains tense”.
“There are reports of unauthorised military movements in Ankara and Istanbul, and gunfire. Bridges across the Bosphorus in Istanbul are closed. You should stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Avoid any large gatherings or demonstrations,” it said.
Istanbul’s international airport was closed to all flights and DFAT urged Australians to contact airlines or travel agents for information about travel arrangements.
DFAT figures in the past have shown that more than 11,000 Australians live in Turkey.
Bishop said anyone concerned about family or friends in Turkey should first try to contact them directly, or then call the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s 24-hour consular emergency centre on 1300 555 135, or +61 2 6261 3305 or if calling from overseas.
