- Turkish Interior Minister says two attackers and three of the injured in critical condition
- Blast at Turkish Aerospace Industries occurred as a major trade fair for defence and aerospace industries taking place in Istanbul
ANKARA/ISLAMABAD: President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Ankara in which four people were killed and 14 others wounded.
The attack targeted the Turkish Aerospace Industries’ headquarters on Wednesday, the government said, while the witnesses said they heard gunfire and a loud explosion at the site near Ankara.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said two attackers were killed in what he called a terrorist attack, adding three of the injured are in critical condition. TV broadcasters earlier showed footage of armed assailants entering the TUSAS building.
President Tayyip Erdogan, alongside Russia’s Vladimir Putin at a BRICS conference in the Russian city of Kazan, also called it a terrorist attack.
No group had claimed responsibility while cause and perpetrators of the blast and subsequent gunfire remained unclear. Prosecutors have launched an investigation, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.
Some media reports claimed a suicide attack had occurred and that there were hostages inside the building, though officials have not confirmed this.
The reports, quoting witnesses, said the blasts they heard may have taken place at different exits as employees were leaving work for the day.
Broadcasters showed images of a damaged gate and footage of an exchange of gunfire in a parking lot, as well as attackers carrying assault rifles and backpacks as they entered the building. Ambulances and helicopters later arrived.
Pakistan’s President, PM strongly condemn terrorist attack
In separate statements on Wednesday, both President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep condolences and affirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Turkiye in this time of grief.
President Zardari extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with the Turkish government and people.
“We stand in full solidarity with our Turkish brothers and sisters in this difficult time,” he said, adding that Pakistan understands the pain caused by such brutal acts, having endured the scourge of terrorism.
“Terrorists are enemies of peace and humanity,” Zardari stated, stressing the need for united global efforts to combat terrorism and ensure a secure future for all nations.
PM Shehbaz took to social media platform X to express his shock and sorrow over the attack. He offered condolences to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish people, stating, “Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with its Turkish brothers.”
Sharif also prayed for the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Both leaders reiterated Pakistan’s strong stance against terrorism in all its forms.
‘NATO stands with ally Turkey amid deadly attack’
Following the attack, NATO head Mark Rutte said the military alliance would stand with its ally Turkey amid a deadly attack against the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries.
“Deeply concerning reports of dead and wounded in Ankara. #NATO stands with our Ally #Turkey. We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and are monitoring developments closely,” Rutte said in a post on X.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also met Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the BRICS summit in Kazan on Wednesday, offering his condolences over a deadly attack on a defence firm near Ankara.
“We are very pleased to welcome you to Kazan, but before we begin our work I would like to express my condolences in connection with the terror attack,” Putin said at the start of talks with the Turkish leader.
TUSAS is Turkey’s largest aerospace manufacturer, currently producing a training craft, combat and civilian helicopters, as well as developing the country’s first indigenous fighter jet, KAAN. Owned by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation and government, it employs more than 10,000 people.
