World Bulletin / News Desk

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on Friday denounced what he said was an "illegal attempt" by elements in the military after bridges were partially shut down in Istanbul and jets flew low over Ankara.

"We are working on the possibility of an attempt. We will not allow this attempt," he told NTV television by telephone, without expanding on the nature of the move but saying it was by a group in the Turkish military.

"Those who are in this illegal act will pay the highest price," he added, saying it would not be correct to describe the move as a "coup".