CCTV footage shows the man running in front of the vehicle before he is knocked down and trapped beneath its track during a failed coup against the country’s president
THIS is the moment a brave Turkish civilian risks his life attempting to stop rebel military tanks during a failed coup against the country’s president.
CCTV footage shows the man running in front of the tank, seemingly throwing something at the vehicle, before he is knocked down and trapped beneath its track.
Rather than coming to a halt, the tank rolls over his body, and continues on its way.
It’s only a matter of seconds before the civilian manages to stand up – just in time for a second tank to cross his path.
But this time he ducks, laying flat on the road to avoid being hit.
The uprising began late on Friday when military personnel drove armoured vehicles into Istanbul and Ankara, blocking roads and taking over bridges.
Amid the attempted coup, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Turks to take to the streets in a show of support for the government.
At least 265 people have been confirmed dead and more than 1,000 wounded following the violent clashes in Turkey after a faction of the country’s military attempted to unseat Erdogan.
So far, more than 6,000 people have been detained by authorities in connection with the coup, including 2,700 judges who were sacked following the uprising.
Meanwhile, Erdogan has said the Turkish parliament may vote to reintroduce the death penalty.
The president denounced the failed coup as an “act of treason” and warned coup supporters “they will pay a heavy price for their treason to Turkey”.
“Those who stain the military's reputation must leave,” he said.
“The process has started today, and it will continue as we fight other terrorist groups.”
