World News for Students of English

19-07-2016 07:00

It was a night the Turkish Prime Minister described as “a black stain on Turkish democracy.”

Almost 200 people have been killed and over 1000 injured after a military uprising in Turkey.  It began when rebel soldiers closed the main bridges in Istanbul leaving Turks unsure of who was in charge of the country.

Hours later, a group from within the military seized control of the state broadcaster. Gunfire and explosions were reported in the capital Ankara and main city Istanbul. Airspace over Turkey’s northwestern Marmara region was closed to civilian flights.  Hundreds died during the clashes and 2800 soldiers, including high-ranking officers, were arrested.

As reports came in of tanks firing at parliament, the country’s president urged his supporters to come out onto the streets. And as crowds answered their president’s plea, the coup attempt crumbled and rebels abandoned their tanks.

Despite the attempted coup being reportedly over, tensions still remain high and civilians are being urged to stay indoors.

Difficult words: stain (a bad mark), uprising (when people try to change the government), seize (take), broadcaster (a company which sends out television programs), clash (a fight), plea (a request for help), coup (a military revolution), crumble (collapse), abandon (leave).

Source: www.ondemandnews.com