An apparent terror attack in Ankara has resulted in the deaths of five individuals at a defense and aerospace company, with Turkish authorities confirming the attackers—a man and a woman—were also killed. The incident left 22 people injured, with two in critical condition.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported gunfire exchanged after Turkish security forces arrived at the scene in the capital. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack, expressing his condolences during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan, who also offered his sympathies.
One victim was identified as Zahide Guclu, a mechanical engineer who had gone to the entrance of the facility to collect flowers sent by her husband, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency. The attack is believed to be linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which the Turkish government categorizes as a terrorist group.
While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack, Turkish officials, including Defense Minister Yasar Guler, have pointed to the PKK as the likely perpetrator. In retaliation, the Turkish defense ministry reported conducting airstrikes on PKK targets in northern Iraq and northern Syria, claiming 32 targets were hit with ongoing aerial operations.
The PKK has been responsible for various attacks in Turkey alongside other groups such as the Islamic State and leftist extremists. The targeted facility, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), is significant in Turkey’s defense sector, known for producing advanced military aircraft, including the KAAN, the country’s first national combat aircraft.
Reports suggest the assailants arrived at TUSAS in a taxi, carrying military-style weapons and detonating an explosive device to create panic, allowing them to enter the facility. The taxi driver was also killed, and his body was discovered in the trunk of the vehicle.
CCTV footage showed an armed individual entering the site, while videos shared on social media documented the attack, capturing residents seeking cover amid explosions and subsequent gunfire as security forces moved in. Helicopters were deployed over the area, with first responders, including ambulances and firefighters, rushing to the scene.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed sorrow over the attack, stating, “We stand shoulder to shoulder with Turkey as a NATO ally and close friend.” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also condemned terrorism and pledged support for Turkey during this crisis.
TUSAS designs and manufactures a range of civilian and military aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other defense and aerospace systems.
Credit: Sky News
