ANKARA: Four people were killed and 14 others wounded in an attack at the Turkish Aerospace Industries’ headquarters on Wednesday, the government said, and 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.
The cause and perpetrators of the blast and subsequent gunfire remained unclear. No group had claimed responsibility. 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.
Witnesses told Reuters that employees inside the building were taken by authorities to shelters and no one was permitted to leave for a few hours. They 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.
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.
President Zardari, PM Shehbaz strongly condemn deadly terrorist attack in Turkiye
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Ankara, which resulted in the tragic loss of lives on Wednesday.
In separate statements on Wednesday, both leaders 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.
The attack, which took place at Turkish Aerospace Industries’ headquarters near Ankara, left four people dead and 14 others wounded, with three in critical condition.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that two attackers were killed in what he called a terrorist attack. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and a loud explosion at the site. TV footage showed armed assailants entering the TUSAS building.
President Tayyip Erdogan, who was attending a BRICS conference in Kazan, Russia, alongside President Vladimir Putin, also referred to the incident as a terrorist attack.
‘NATO stands with ally Turkey amid deadly attack’
NATO head Mark Rutte said on Wednesday the military alliance would stand with its ally Turkey amid a deadly attack against the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries, one of Turkey’s most important defence and aviation companies.
“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.
Putin meets Erdogan, offers condolences over Ankara ‘terror attack’
Russian President Vladimir Putin 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.
