The Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) headquarters was attacked on Wednesday, killing five people and wounding 22, according to the government. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and a huge explosion at the location, which is close to Ankara.
Confirming the death toll, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was then meeting with Vladimir Putin in Russia, denounced what he called a “heinous terrorist attack.”
Ali Yerlikaya, the interior minister, blamed the deadly attack on the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has been fighting the government for decades.
“The fingerprint search and identification procedure are ongoing, and we will identify the terrorist group responsible for the attack.” According to Yerlikaya, who increased the dead toll to five with 22 injuries, “the manner in which this action was carried out is very probably linked to the PKK.”
He had previously stated on X that three of the victims were in critical condition and that two attackers had been slain in what he described as a terrorist act. TV stations showed video of armed attackers breaking into the TUSAS facility.
The terror strike on the TUSAS Ankara Kahramankazan location resulted in the neutralization of two terrorists. In reference to the Aerospace Industries, Yerlikaya stated, “Unfortunately, we have three martyrs and fourteen wounded in the attack.”
An investigation has been opened by prosecutors, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.
Although authorities have not verified it, several media sources stated that there were captives inside the building and that a suicide attack had taken place.
Authorities took workers inside the building to shelters, and no one was allowed to leave for a few hours, witnesses told Reuters. According to them, the explosions they heard might have happened at various exits as workers were heading out for the day.
Assailants with assault rifles and backpacks entered the facility, and broadcasters displayed footage of a gunfight in a parking lot and pictures of a broken fence. Later, helicopters and ambulances showed up.
The site is in Kahramankazan, a tiny town about 40 kilometers north of Ankara. Local media showed pictures of smoke clouds and a massive fire burning there.
The incident occurred during a Kazan conference between Erdogan and Putin, during which the Russian leader offered his sympathies for the attack.
Turkiye’s media watchdog ordered a blackout of photos from the location, forcing media outlets that had been broadcasting live footage from the incident to stop.
The largest aerospace manufacturer in Turkey, TUSAS is currently building training aircraft, military and civilian helicopters, and the KAAN, the nation’s first indigenous fighter jet.
It has about 10,000 employees and is owned by the government and the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation.
Both opposition leader Ozgur Ozel, who leads the CHP, and Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu condemned the attack.
“I denounce the terrorist assault on TAI establishments in Kahramankazan. No matter who or where it originates, I oppose terrorism,” Ozel posted on X.
In addition to expressing his condolences and solidarity with the Turkish government and people, President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the terrorist act.
He declared that during this trying period, Pakistan was fully in solidarity with the Turkish people. “We pray for the quick recovery of the injured and offer our sincere condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in this cowardly attack,” he continued.
He claimed that terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations was a worldwide threat and that Pakistan, having suffered through its scourge, was aware of the anguish and suffering brought on by such heinous deeds. He emphasized that terrorists were enemies of humanity and peace, underscoring the necessity of the international community working together to end the evil of terrorism and provide a safe future for all countries.
Similar comments were also expressed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“The government of Pakistan stands in solidarity with the brotherly people of Turkiye and reiterates its unwavering support for Turkiye’s efforts to combat the scourge of terrorism.”
“With its distinctive grit and determination, we have no doubt that the courageous Turkish people will overcome the threat of terrorism,” the Foreign Office stated in a statement.
Mark Rutte, the secretary general of NATO, denounced the attack and declared that the military alliance would support its ally, Turkey. The incident was also denounced by the European Union representative in Turkiye.
“I recently discussed the Ankara terror attack with [President] Erdogan. Rutte wrote on X, “My message was clear: NATO supports Turkiye.”
Erdogan in Russia
The explosion happened as Erdogan and Putin were attending the Brics conference of key emerging market countries, which included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, in the Russian city of Kazan.
Putin began their meeting by saying, “I would like to express my condolences in connection with the terror attack.”
This week, Ukraine’s top ambassador traveled to Istanbul, Turkey, which is presently staging a significant trade show for the aerospace and defense sectors.
About 80% of Turkey’s export earnings come from its defense industry, which is well-known for its Bayraktar drones.
Haluk Gorgun, the head of the state Defense Industry Agency (SSB) in Turkey, reported that contracts totaling $10.2 billion were inked last year.
According to Gorgun, defense export earnings increased by about 10% from the same period last year to $3.7 billion in the first eight months of this year.
The most recent assault in Turkey occurred in January, when two shooters opened fire inside an Istanbul Catholic church, killing a man.
The violent Islamic State group claimed responsibility for that incident.
Two police officers were hurt in an incident in Ankara’s government district in October 2023.
One attacker was killed by police, and the other perished in what appeared to be a suicide explosion outside the interior ministry.
The PKK, which has fought an insurgency against the Turkish government since 1984 and lost tens of thousands of people in the battle, claimed responsibility for the strike.
