A terrorist attack took place at the headquarters of Turkey’s national aerospace company, Tusaş, outside Ankara, resulting in the death of five individuals and injuring 22 others. The explosion occurred around 4 pm on Wednesday, with reports of gunfire in the area as well. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the attack, expressing condolences for the victims.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the casualties, stating that three of the injured had been discharged from the hospital, while 19 remained under medical care. Two attackers, a man and a woman, were neutralized, and efforts were underway to identify them. The situation at the site was unclear, with conflicting reports indicating a possible ongoing hostage situation.
Media coverage of the incident was halted following a blackout order by Turkey’s media watchdog. While the exact nature of the attack remained uncertain, speculations suggested it could be a suicide bombing. Various groups, including Kurdish militants, ISIS, and leftist extremists, have carried out attacks in Turkey in the past.
Defense Minister Yaşar Güler implicated the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in the attack, vowing to eliminate all terrorists. The incident occurred shortly after discussions about the PKK leader’s potential parole if violence ceased. Erdoğan, who was attending a summit in Russia, engaged in talks with Vladimir Putin while the attack unfolded in Turkey.
Initial reports indicated that several gunmen arrived at the site by taxi, firing at bystanders near the building. Local television footage captured individuals in black attire carrying backpacks and engaging in clashes. Tusaş, known for its defense and aviation projects, is a significant player in Turkey’s aerospace industry.
The defense sector, responsible for innovations like the Bayraktar drones, plays a crucial role in Turkey’s export revenues. The country’s defense industry has been booming, with revenues expected to surpass $10.2 billion by 2023. The attack triggered responses from various officials, including Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu and opposition leader Özgür Özel, who denounced terrorism unequivocally.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed solidarity with Turkey, condemning terrorism in all forms. The international community closely monitored the situation, emphasizing support for Turkey during these challenging times. This incident adds to a series of violent acts that have plagued Turkey, underscoring the persistent threat of terrorism in the region.