UPDATE 2 - Turkey's military leadership gathers in Ankara

UPDATES WITH THE DECISIONS TAKEN IN COUNCIL MEETING

By Sinan Uslu and Sarp Ozer

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's National Defense Ministry announced senior appointments of the armed forces on Wednesday, at the end of a four-hour-long meeting where the top military leadership was in attendance.

The Supreme Military Council (YAS) meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Binali Yildirim at Cankaya Palace in Ankara.

The ministry said in a statement that six generals and admirals had been promoted as of Aug 30.

Also, 61 colonels had been promoted to generals and admirals, it added.

The terms of eight generals were extended for one year, and 168 colonels were given a two-year extension in their terms.

The meeting is a bi-annual gathering that discusses appointments and retirements of high-ranking staff officers and generals, as well as the removal of military personnel.

Earlier on Wednesday, YAS members visited the mausoleum of the Republic of Turkey’s founding father, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Military reassignments and promotions were discussed in the wake of last year’s defeated coup.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host a dinner for YAS members at the presidential complex at 6 p.m. local time (0300GMT).