Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a three-month state of emergency in the country. He said it will allow his government to take measures against the supporters of last week's failed military coup. He added that the move was permitted under the constitution.

ANKARA, July 20, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks at a press conference in Ankara, Turkey on July 20, 2016. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday declared state of emergency for three months following a failed coup attempt on July 15. (Xinhua/Mustafa Kaya)

He said, "The purpose of the declaration of the state of emergency is to take the most efficient steps in order to remove this threat as soon as possible, which is a threat to democracy, to the rule of law, and to the rights and freedom of our citizens."

Erdogan made the announcement during a live television broadcast after a meeting of the National Security Council. Prior to the meeting, Erdogan said he believed other countries might have been involved in the coup attempt. He also blamed followers of his US-based foe, Fethullah Gulen. A military official said around a third of Turkey's roughly 360 serving generals have been detained.