Turkey marks third anniversary of failed coup

Istanbul: Turkey held nationwide ceremonies to mark the third anniversary of a deadly failed coup in 2016.

In Ankara, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan laid flowers at the July 15 Martyrs' Monument in front of the Presidential Palace, attended a special parliamentary session and inaugurated a new building of Ankara police headquarters.

Speaking at an event in Istanbul, Erdogan said, "July 15 is a symbol which should remind us not only of that dark night but also of all the incidents our nation has been through. We will not stop our endeavours till our last breath. We will not stop until we successfully complete the honourable journey we have embarked on with our people.”

"I salute every member of our heroic nation, who stood against planes, tanks, bullets to protect the independence of our nation and the future of our country on July 15."

On 15 July, 2016, coup plotters blocked roads and bombed state institutions including the parliament before the attempt was thwarted with the help of citizens resisting putschist soldiers.

At least 250 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured during the coup attempt. Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher, is accused by the Turkish government of orchestrating the coup.