U.S. Base in Turkey on Lockdown amid Rumors of 2nd Coup

[rmstock]

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle lands at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Nov. 12, 2015. Six F-15E's deployed to Incirlik from the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath, England, to conduct missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Turkish airspace was closed to military operations following an attempted coup July 15, 2016. Pentagon officials said all indications are that all personnel at the base are safe and secure. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Daniel Lile

News  > World
U.S. Base in Turkey on Lockdown amid Rumors of 2nd Coup
Published 30 July 2016 (13 hours 53 minutes ago)  [Sun Jul 31 02:01:48 CEST 2016]
http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/U.S.-Base-in-Turkey-on-Lock-down-amid-Rumors-of-2nd-Coup-20160730-0023.html
   
   
    German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen addresses the Counter DAESH contingent at Incirlik airbase in the southern city of Adana, Turkey. | Photo: Reuters
   
  "Turkish police said that the base is back to normal after deploying
   7,000 personnel to surround the base.
   
   The Incirlik base, which hosts thousands of U.S. troops and serves as a
   NATO outpost to Iraq and Syria, was shut down Saturday night amid
   rumors of a second coup attempt.
   
   RELATED:
   Turkey Is Shutting Down over 130 Media Outlets
   
   The entrances and exits were closed, and 7,000 riot police,
   counter-terrorism police and armored vehicles joined soldiers at the
   base in Adana to secure the premises.
   
   All forces, "like those that served on July 15," were deployed to deal
   with the "crisis" situation, announced Adana police.
   
   They added two and a half hours later that everything was back to
   normal. The minister of EU affairs also tweeted that the lockdown was
   part of a "safety inspection" and that "there is no issue."
   
   No one will be allowed to enter or exit the base until more is found
   out about the "danger," reported Hurriyet. The entrance to the Hilton
   and Sheraton hotels were also closed.
   
   [video]
   
   This is the second time the base is on high alert in two weeks.
   
   The air space around Incirlik was closed during the attempted coup amid
   concerns a tanker aircraft commandeered from the base was used to
   refuel aircraft involved in the attempted overthrow, but was reopened
   in the days after the attempted coup so that U.S. warplanes could
   continue their operations in Syria and Iraq. The base's electric power
   was also shut off, allegedly by the coup plotters, and the base
   operated on generators until last Saturday.
   
   RELATED:
   WikiLeaksRelease 300K Emails Related to Turkey's Ruling AKP
   
   The Turkish commander of the base was detained for complicity, a senior
   official said. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said some
   troops at the base were involved in the attempted coup. Rumors also
   circulated that some 1,500 U.S. military staff were held captive at the
   base.
   
   On Thursday, thousands protested U.S. presence at the base and accusing
   the U.S. of playing a role in the coup. Some burned U.S. flags,
   reported Military Times, chanting against the large U.S. nuclear
   arsenal held at the base.
   
   U.S. Chief of Staff Joseph Dunford arrived in Turkey hours later to
   visit the base.

   Tags Turkey | War & conflict | Military expenditure | United States | NATO | Middle East & North Africa   
   
    Military Times-Hurriyet-Reuters-Jerusalem Post
    by teleSUR / nrc-DB "




Turkey: Thousands Of Armed Police Surround US-NATO Incirlik Airbase

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle lands at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Nov. 12, 2015. Six F-15E's deployed to Incirlik from the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath, England, to conduct missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Turkish airspace was closed to military operations following an attempted coup July 15, 2016. Pentagon officials said all indications are that all personnel at the base are safe and secure. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Daniel Lile
  "By MINA July 31, 2016
   http://www.eurasiareview.com/31072016-turkey-thousands-of-armed-police-surround-us-nato-incirlik-airbase/
   
   At least 7,000 armed police in heavy vehicles surrounded the Incirlik
   air base used by NATO forces in Adana in what a Turkish minister called
   a "security check." With no official explanation, speculations have
   arisen about a new coup attempt or VIP visit.
   
   Hurriyet reported earlier that Adana police had been tipped off about a
   new coup attempt, and forces were immediately alerted. The entrance to
   the base was closed off.
   
   Security forces armed with rifles and armored TOMA vehicles used by
   Turkish riot police could be seen at the site in photos taken by
   witnesses.
   
   Turkey's minister for EU Affairs downplayed the situation in a Twitter
   post, saying a "security inspection" was carried out.
   
   "We did the general security check. There is nothing wrong," he tweeted
   from Adana.
   
   Some supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have
   reportedly flocked to the cordon surrounding the base. The scene,
   however, did not appear as massive and tense as the recent Adana
   protests demanding for the base to be shut down.
   
   On Thursday, a huge rally marched towards the NATO base, as people with
   loudspeakers chanted anti-American and anti-Israel slogans. The
   demonstrators claim that the US had a hand in the failed July 15 coup
   attempt in which 270 people died. Tens of thousands people, including
   members of the military, police, judiciary, media, and civil service,
   have been arrested in connection with the coup, which Turkish officials
   say was organized by US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, Erdogan's former
   ally, who is now his most hated rival.
   
   n the wake of the coup attempt, several military officials at the
   Incirlik Air Base, including its commander, General Bekir Ercan Van,
   were arrested on treason charges by Turkish authorities, which claimed
   that one of the rogue F-16 planes taking part in the rebellion to
   overthrow Erdogan's government had been refueled there.
   
   The general had even reportedly attempted to seek asylum in the US, but
   his plea was apparently rejected.
   
   Incirlic Air Base is used by both the Turkish and US militaries and is
   vital to the US-led anti-terror bombing campaign in Syria and Iraq. It
   also serves as one of six NATO storage sites for US tactical nuclear
   weapons in Europe. The exact number of nuclear bombs kept at the base
   is unknown, although, according to various estimates, it may store up
   to 90 warheads.
   
   The US-led coalition's airstrikes had to be halted for several days
   when power was cut at the base. US military personnel stationed there
   had to switch to an internal power supply.
   
   The "inspection" at the base comes as the Turkish government announced
   a sweeping military reform on Saturday. In an interview with TV
   broadcaster A-Haber, Erdogan unveiled plans to scrap all military
   academies and replace them with a new national defense university.
   
   The commanders of the different branches of the Turkish armed forces
   are to be put under the defense minister's chain of command. In
   addition, Erdogan wants the National Intelligence Organization (MIT)
   and military chief of staff to report directly to him, which would
   require a new constitutional amendment to be passed by the parliament.
   
   It also comes on the eve of a visit from a top US military official,
   chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford, who is scheduled
   to arrive in Turkey on Sunday. Diplomatic sources quoted by Hurriyet
   claim Dunford will visit both Ankara and Incirlik.
   
   TOPICS: Foreign Policy Military NATO Turkey United States
   
   About the Author
   
   MINA
   MINA is the Macedonian International News Agency "
   
See also :

https://www.rt.com/news/354042-turkish-police-incirlik-nato-coup/
http://europe.newsweek.com/turkey-expels-1400-military-officers-suspected-links-gulen-485733?rm=eu
http://www.news.com.au/world/reports-turkish-troops-have-sealed-off-incirlik-usnato-nuclear-air-base/news-story/4d7bb16e4e86842218b5b0d7d70f582b
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-31/turkey-blocks-access-to-airbase-on-coup-suspicion-hurriyet-says
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/pentagon-says-us-generals-comments-on-coup-attempt-misunderstood.aspx?PageID=238&NID=102274&NewsCatID=358

[rmstock]

UPDATED 9:02 AM EDT ON JULY 31 -- Turkey Sends Forces to SURROUND Incirlik Air Base used by US & NATO; Communications with base CUT-OFF
Post by Newsroom  - Jul 30, 2016  -  2
https://www.superstation95.com/index.php/world/1735

  "UPDATED 9:03 AM EDT ON JULY 31 (SEE BOTTOM) -- Some 7,000 armed police
   in heavy vehicles have surrounded the Incirlik air base used by U.S.
   and NATO forces in Adana in what a Turkish minister called a "security
   check." With no official explanation, speculations have arisen about a
   new coup attempt or a military move by Turkey against NATO!
   
   
   Hurriyet reported earlier that Adana police had been tipped off about a
   new coup attempt, and forces were immediately alerted. The entrance to
   the base was closed off.
   
   Security forces armed with rifles and armored TOMA vehicles used by
   Turkish riot police could be seen at the site in photos taken by
   witnesses.
   
   https://twitter.com/Brasco_Aad/status/759522166962618368
   
   https://twitter.com/Levent_Tekin/status/759528669291409408
   
   Turkey's minister for EU Affairs downplayed the situation in a Twitter
   post, saying a "security inspection" was carried out.
   
   https://twitter.com/omerrcelik/status/759522788898115586
   
   "We did the general security check. There is nothing wrong," he tweeted
   from Adana.
   
   Some supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have
   reportedly flocked to the cordon surrounding the base. The scene,
   however, did not appear as massive and tense as the recent Adana
   protests demanding for the base to be shut down.
   
   https://twitter.com/Brasco_Aad/status/759531340173717504
   
   On Thursday, a huge rally marched towards the NATO base, as people with
   loudspeakers chanted anti-American and anti-Israel slogans. The
   demonstrators claim that the US had a hand in the failed July 15 coup
   attempt in which 270 people died. Tens of thousands people, including
   members of the military, police, judiciary, media, and civil service,
   have been arrested in connection with the coup, which Turkish officials
   say was organized by US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, Erdogan's former
   ally, who is now his most hated rival.
   
   https://twitter.com/SerboCanada/status/759545698912120832
   
   Read more
   
   Turkish commander of air base housing US nukes detained for complicity
   in coup attempt – official
   
   In the wake of the coup attempt, several military officials at the
   Incirlik Air Base, including its commander, General Bekir Ercan Van,
   were arrested on treason charges by Turkish authorities, which claimed
   that one of the rogue F-16 planes taking part in the rebellion to
   overthrow Erdogan's government had been refueled there
   
   The general had even reportedly attempted to seek asylum in the US, but
   his plea was apparently rejected.
   
   Incirlic Air Base is used by both the Turkish and US militaries and is
   vital to the US-led anti-terror bombing campaign in Syria and Iraq. It
   also serves as one of six NATO storage sites for US tactical nuclear
   weapons in Europe. The exact number of nuclear bombs kept at the base
   is unknown, although, according to various estimates, it may store up
   to 90 warheads.
   
   The US-led coalition's airstrikes had to be halted for several days
   when power was cut at the base. US military personnel stationed there
   had to switch to an internal power supply.
   
   READ MORE: Local authorities block access to air base in Turkey that
   houses US nukes
   
   The "inspection" at the base comes as the Turkish government announced
   a sweeping military reform on Saturday. In an interview with TV
   broadcaster A-Haber, Erdogan unveiled plans to scrap all military
   academies and replace them with a new national defense university.
   
   https://twitter.com/LucidHurricane_/status/759552147201536000
   
   The commanders of the different branches of the Turkish armed forces
   are to be put under the defense minister's chain of command. In
   addition, Erdogan wants the National Intelligence Organization (MIT)
   and military chief of staff to report directly to him, which would
   require a new constitutional amendment to be passed by the parliament.
   
   https://twitter.com/IncomeDisparity/status/759580516869894144
   
   It also comes on the eve of a visit from a top US military official,
   chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford, who is scheduled
   to arrive in Turkey on Sunday. Diplomatic sources quoted by Hurriyet
   claim Dunford will go visit both Ankara and Incirlik.
   
   https://twitter.com/DEFCONWS/status/759527790395949056
   
   UPDATE 11:58 PM EDT -- COMMUNICATIONS WITH BASE CUT-OFF
   
   Reports are now coming-in that communications with Incirlik Air Base -
   phones, FAX, Internet (e-mail/social media) are CUT-OFF:
   
   
   
   UPDATE 9:03 AM EDT --
   
   Radio Host Hal Turner of station WBCQ is a former FBI Joint Terrorism
   Task Force Intelligence asset.  He is apparently getting serious
   information from his former colleagues within the US government and he
   has done a massive update to his coverage of this ongoing problem on
   his web site.  It _appears_ that radical Islamists are surrounding
   Incirlik, chanting anti-American slogans and the base may be attacked
   later today!   Here is a link to the Hal Turner Show web site story.

   Last modified on Sunday, 31 July 2016 09:06 "

[MikeWB]

Is Turkey getting out of NATO or what?

[rmstock]

It looks like the Turkish v. US Military are still on speaking terms, and are trying
to mend broken glass. The local "Civilians" yelling "Aluah Ahkbar" of course
do not agree. There has always been a difference of world view between
the Turkish Military and the Turks themselves. Check out the history of
Turkish Military coups ..


AFP photo
Top Turkish, American soldiers to meet in person after coup attempt
ANKARA
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/top-turkish-american-soldiers-to-meet-in-person-after-coup-attempt-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=102302&NewsCatID=510

  "The top Turkish and American soldiers are set for their first
   face-to-face meeting since the July 15 failed coup attempt amid tension
   between the two NATO allies over the latter's suspected role in the
   coup attempt. 
   
   U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Joseph F. Dunford and Turkish
   Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar will meet on Aug. 1 at the
   Turkish military headquarters in Ankara after the U.S. commander's
   visit to İncirlik Air Base in the southern province of Adana on late
   July 31. Dunford was expected to meet U.S. troops stationed at the base
   fighting against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
   
   Akar and Dunford have held two phone conversation since the coup
   attempt to set things right, particularly at İncirlik, which was closed
   for a couple of days after the attempt, as well regarding U.S. flights
   over Syria.
   
   Dunford's visit comes only two weeks after Turkey narrowly escaped a
   coup organized by high-ranking Gülenist military officers and days
   after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan slammed a ranking U.S.
   military authority over remarks expressing concern about the ongoing
   fight against ISIL after massive purges in the Turkish army.
   
   Joseph Votel, head of the U.S. Central Command, which leads the ISIL
   fight, said in a conference in Aspen on July 28: "We've certainly had
   relationships with a lot of Turkish leaders and military leaders in
   particular, so I'm concerned about what the impact is on those
   relationships. Some of them are in jail now."
   
   "The U.S. general [Votel] stands on the coup plotters' side with his
   words. He disclosed himself via his statements," Erdoğan said on July
   29, after a series of strong statements issued by members of the
   Turkish government against Votel. Immediately after Erdoğan's words,
   Votel rejected the claims, saying, "Any reporting that I had anything
   to do with the recent unsuccessful coup attempt in Turkey is
   unfortunate and completely inaccurate."
   
   Dunford's visit will play an important role in putting
   military-to-military ties back on track after two weeks of turbulence,
   as some Turkish officials and pro-government newspapers have continued
   to accuse the U.S. of orchestrating the coup attempt through a Gülenist
   faction in the army, while U.S. officials have categorically denied
   these claims.
   
   The two generals were expected to discuss ways to conduct damage
   control in the ties between the two militaries and particularly to
   ensure the continuation of effective joint action against ISIL, while
   also reviewing the current state of developments in Syria and Iraq.
   
   July/31/2016 "