Oct 24, V7N- On Wednesday, a deadly attack occurred at the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) headquarters near Ankara, leaving five people dead and 22 others wounded. The attack, described by Turkish officials as a terrorist act, involved two assailants who were killed by security forces during the incident. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the casualties, adding that two of the injured were in critical condition. The attack happened at TUSAS's Kahramankazan site, a significant aerospace manufacturer in Turkey.

According to Yerlikaya, the attackers are believed to be members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), though investigations are ongoing to confirm this. The assault took place as employees were leaving work, with witnesses reporting gunfire and explosions. Some employees were taken to shelters, and an evacuation was later carried out. Footage from the scene showed armed assailants entering the premises, with significant damage visible around the facility.

In response to the attack, Turkish air forces launched airstrikes on PKK targets in northern Iraq and Syria, destroying multiple PKK sites and reportedly killing several members. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, while attending a BRICS conference in Kazan alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, condemned the attack and received condolences from Putin and other global leaders, including NATO, the United States, and the European Union.

TUSAS, a major player in Turkey’s defense industry, develops training aircraft, helicopters, and the country’s first indigenous fighter jet, KAAN. Owned by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, it employs over 10,000 people. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed solidarity with Turkey, condemning the attack and affirming the alliance's support for its member nation.

END/WD/RH/