Coup prevented but threat remains: Turkish DM

ANKARA, July 18 (KUNA) -- While the coup attempt had been prevented, the threat against the Turkish government remained, Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik stressed Monday.
Turkish Defense Minister spoke to anti-coup protesters gathered in front of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's home in Istanbul Monday morning saying even foreign occupants had not attacked Turkish people with bombs from helicopters and jets, "we never witnessed such a flagrant act of betrayal as that last coup attempt." he added. "As of today the coup was prevented, but we can't say the threat is gone." That is why dear Istanbulites we ask you to closely follow every statement of Mr. President, and stay at the squares until Mr. President says, 'Ok, you can return home now," Isik said.
Meanwhile, President Erdogan instructed military combat planes to conduct patrols across Turkey, two days after F-16s and choppers flew above the country in a failed coup attempt, Turkish Anadolu Agency said.
The patrol flights are being conducted for airspace control and security purposes as per Erdogan's instructions.
F-16 combat jets were used by coup leaders late on July 15 and on the morning of July 16 to attack the parliament building and near the presidential complex.
On Friday night, rogue elements of the military attempted to overthrow Turkey's democratically-elected government. At least 190 people were killed and scores others wounded in the ensuing violence.(end) rs.ss