In a shocking incident on Wednesday, an attack on the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) near Ankara left at least five people dead and 22 others injured. The assault was carried out by two attackers—a man and a woman—who have since been “neutralised,” according to authorities.
Details of the Attack
Surveillance footage captured the attackers as they entered the TAI facility, approximately 40 kilometers north of Ankara, armed with assault rifles and carrying bags. Reports indicate that they initiated their assault with gunfire, leading to a significant explosion that rocked the building.
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🚨 Breaking: Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) targeted in a deadly terror attack in Ankara.
Reports confirm six killed and over 20 wounded. Authorities suspect PKK involvement.
One suicide bomber detonated at the facility, which manufactures Turkey’s KAAN fighter jets.… pic.twitter.com/dcb1KzOJKu
— Turki (@ElephantsMusk) October 23, 2024
Initial investigations suggest that the attackers may have killed a taxi driver before commandeering his vehicle to execute their plan. Eyewitness accounts reveal that exchanges of gunfire persisted for over an hour, further heightening the chaos and fear within the facility.
Victims Identified
Among the victims, four were identified as employees of TAI, while the fifth was the taxi driver. Turkey’s Vice President, Cevdet Yilmaz, confirmed this information in a statement, highlighting the tragic loss of life.
Suspected Motives and Group Involvement
While there has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, Turkey’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, suggested that the assault was likely orchestrated by Kurdish militants. “The way in which this action was carried out is very probably linked to the PKK,” he stated, referring to the militant group that has been involved in a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state.
Government Response
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, currently in Russia for discussions with Vladimir Putin, condemned the attack as “heinous.” He emphasized that the assault on TAI, a key player in Turkey’s defense industry, is a “vile attack” aimed at undermining the nation’s security and independence.
Erdogan characterized TAI as a symbol of Turkey’s defense initiatives, stating, “The terrorist attack against TAI, one of the locomotive organizations of the Turkish defense industry, is a vile attack targeting the survival of our country and the peace of our nation.”
The Turkish government has vowed to investigate the incident thoroughly and take necessary actions against those responsible for this tragic event.
