IMPACT – HIGH

Turkey has fallen into turmoil, as a Turkish military faction is attempting a coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The military declared martial law, closed roadways and bridges in Ankara and Istanbul and placed buildings under blockade, according to numerous media outlets. Shots and helicopter fire were reported in Ankara. Erdoğan appeared to be clinging to power early Saturday morning, with thousands of his supporters defying the military-imposed curfew.

Key points:

  • BAL urges companies with personnel in Turkey to account for all of their employees and closely monitor events in Turkey.
  • The U.S. Embassy in Turkey urged all U.S. citizens to contact friends and family via email, telephones or SMS. U.S. citizens are further advised to remain indoors and not attempt to travel to the embassy or consulates at this time.
  • The U.K. Embassy in Turkey likewise advised U.K. nationals to “avoid public places and remain vigilant” until the situation becomes clearer.
  • Canada has asked Canadian nationals in Turkey to “remain indoors and monitor local media” and contact an embassy or consulate for assistance.

Background: Information out of Turkey changed rapidly and was at times contradictory, with the outcome of the attempted coup still unclear. Military personnel closed key bridges in Istanbul around 10 p.m., according to numerous media reports. Gunfire and low-flying jets were subsequently reported and it became clear that an attempted coup was underway. At one point, Erdoğan used an iPhone from an undisclosed location to broadcast a message urging the Turkish populace to resist the attempted coup. It appeared the struggle for power was ongoing early Saturday.

BAL Analysis: BAL will continue monitoring events in Turkey and provide updates to clients as needed. In the meantime, companies should account for all employees in Turkey. Foreign nationals in Turkey are advised to remain indoors until further notice and monitor the websites of their home country’s embassy for additional information if possible.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact BerryApplemanLeiden@bal.com.

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