Erdogan: The Coup Attempt Will be Thwarted Soon

ANKARA - Turkish President Recep Erdogan resorted to Facetime to communicate during last night’s military coup. The president called a reporter through a mobile phone on a local Turkish television station as the coup took place.

Speaking from an unknown location, he called on the Turkish people to take to the streets. He encouraged them to leave their homes and take to public squares and airports.

He said the uprising attempt was being run by a minority within the armed forces and said it would be met with the ‘necessary response’. It is understood that Mr Erdogan fled the country in a private jet.

He added that he believes the coup attempt will be thwarted soon, and that there will be a “strong response” to those responsible for the coup attempt.

"They will receive the 'heavy price'," he said.

READ MORE: Turkey Military Coup Government of Recep Erdogan

Erdogan is the co-founder of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). He was elected Prime Minister in 2003. Under his rule, Turkey became a powerhouse in the Middle East. His reign came to an end in 2014, and his own party's rules prevented him from seeking a fourth term.

So, he ran for president -- and won. Before this, the president of Turkey was a largely ceremonial role, but Erdogan tried to change that by altering the constitution to give him more power.

The 2015 election resulted in a hung Parliament, leading to sweeping anti-government protests and terror attacks. Turkey held a snap election, and with that, Erdogan's AK Party regained control.

Under Erdogan, who is extremely conservative, religion had started to play a more important role in Turkey, which is a largely secular country. He was active in Islamist circles in the 1970s and 1980s.

Erdogan is open about his dislike of social media. Sites such as YouTube and Facebook are frequently blacked out in the country.