LDS Church says all missionaries in Turkey safe as coup unfolds

SALT LAKE CITY — The Turkish military claims to have seized power from the Turkish government as military forces clash with demonstrators, and a spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says all of their missionaries in the area are safe.

The Turkish National Intelligence Unit stated the coup had failed, but there has been no independent confirmation of that thus far.

LDS Church Spokesman Eric Hawkins released the following statement Friday evening:

“At this point we know that all missionaries in Turkey are currently safe and accounted for. We have no information that our members are involved in the conflict. We pray for their safety as these events unfold.”