Terror attack blamed as five killed and 22 wounded at Turkish aerospace firm

In the wake of a tragic incident involving an explosion and gunfire at the Tusaş headquarters near Ankara, I spoke with key figures about the implications and responses to this alleged terrorist attack that has taken the lives of five individuals and left 22 others injured.

Turkey’s interior minister, Ali Yerlikaya, characterized the event as a “terrorist attack,” providing a somber update following the large explosion that occurred around 4 PM on Wednesday. He confirmed that three of those injured were discharged from the hospital, while 19 remain under treatment. “Sadly, we have five martyrs and many others hurt in this attack,” he stated.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his outrage, declaring, “I condemn this heinous terrorist attack and wish mercy on our martyrs.” This sentiment echoes through the nation, as the attack has triggered discussions about security and the ongoing threat of terrorism in Turkey.

As authorities continue their investigation, Yerlikaya reported that two attackers, one man and one woman, were “neutralised.” However, he refrained from confirming whether any further suspects remain at large, leaving the situation shrouded in uncertainty.

The media landscape was also affected as outlets were ordered to cease broadcasts from the scene. Reports from Habertürk TV had mentioned a possible “hostage situation,” although further details remain scarce. Speculations about the nature of the attack have surfaced, with some suggesting it may have been a suicide attack.

When asked about the potential perpetrators, the defense minister, Yaşar Güler, implicated the militant Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) without presenting any evidence. “We give these PKK scoundrels the punishment they deserve every time. But they never come to their senses. We will pursue them until the last terrorist is eliminated,” he asserted. In a rapid military response, Turkish warplanes launched airstrikes against PKK positions in Northern Iraq and Syria following the incident.

Interestingly, this attack came just a day after the leader of Turkey’s far-right Nationalist Movement party hinted at the possibility of parole for the PKK’s imprisoned leader, contingent on a renouncement of violence.

Eyewitness accounts and local television footage depict a chaotic scene in which multiple gunmen arrived by taxi and engaged in gunfire near the headquarters. One of the assailants reportedly detonated a bomb, leading to a clash with security personnel. This is particularly alarming given that Tusaş is a key player in Turkey’s defense sector, known for producing essential military technology, including the country’s first national combat aircraft.

As the investigation continues, broader ramifications are being felt throughout the nation. Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu and opposition leader Özgür Özel both condemned the attack. Özel, head of the Republican People’s party, stated, “I condemn terrorism, no matter who or where it comes from.”

International reactions have also been swift. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed solidarity with Turkey, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer voiced his horror at the attack, noting the strong ties between NATO allies. Starmer emphasized the need for unity in the face of such violence, stating, “We stand shoulder to shoulder with Turkey as a NATO ally and close friend.”

As Turkey grapples with the implications of this attack, the focus remains on ensuring national security and protecting citizens from the persistent threat of terrorism.