Turkish National Security Council meeting ends

By Ilkay Guder

ANKARA (AA) – Turkey’s National Security Council convened Wednesday under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the aftermath of last week’s failed coup attempt.

The meeting lasted for four hour and 40 minutes, said a source close to the presidency, on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Following the meeting, the Council of Ministers is expected to gather.

Erdogan said Tuesday "an important decision" will be announced after the meetings.

Turkey's government has said the attempted coup was organized by followers of U.S.-based cleric Fetullah Gulen, who is accused of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through infiltrating Turkish state institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary, forming a “parallel state.”

At least 240 people, including members of the security forces and civilians, were martyred during the failed putsch, and nearly 1,500 others were wounded as they protested it.

*Diyar Guldogan contributed to this report from Ankara.