OTTAWA -- The Canadian government urged calm in Turkey amid reports of a coup attempt Friday and advised Canadians not to travel to the country.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement late Friday expressing concern about the uprising by members of Turkey's military.
"We call for restraint by all parties," Trudeau's statement said. "Canada supports the preservation of Turkish democracy, and condemns any attempt to subvert Turkey's democratic institutions by force of arms.
"The Government of Canada is being kept informed of developments in Turkey, and we are doing everything possible to ensure that the safety and security of Canadians in that country is maintained."
A statement from Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion echoed those sentiments and cautioned Canadian citizens to avoid travelling to Turkey.
He also said Canadians already in Turkey "should remain indoors, avoid large gatherings and follow the instructions of local authorities."
The federal government is offering consular assistance to Canadians in Turkey if it's needed.
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told state-run Turkish media that more than 120 people have been arrested in a coup plot.
He said a few air force planes flown by coup plotters still remain in the air. He earlier ordered those aircraft shot down.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the uprising was the work of a minority within the military.
There were reports Friday night of explosions, air battles and gunfire across the capital that left at least 17 dead and scores wounded.
Government officials said the coup appeared to have failed as Turks took to the streets overnight to confront troops attempting to take over the country. However, the sounds of huge blasts continued to ring out in the capital, Ankara, and Istanbul throughout the morning, including a bomb that hit the parliament complex.
- With files from The Associated Press.
