Ankara, Turkey – At least five people have been killed and 22 injured in a shocking attack at the headquarters of an aviation company near the Turkish capital Ankara. The authorities have confirmed that two attackers, a man and a woman, have been “neutralised”, with Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya suggesting that the attack may have involved the Kurdish rebel group, the PKK.
The incident unfolded at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), located approximately 40km outside of Ankara. Videos from the scene show two individuals firing guns around the entrance of the facility, leading to the tragic loss of four TAI employees and a taxi driver. Reports indicate that the attackers killed the cab driver before using his vehicle to carry out the assault.
In response to the attack, Turkey’s defence ministry announced air strikes on Kurdish rebel targets in northern Iraq and northern Syria. The PKK, considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the UK, has been engaged in a decades-long conflict with the Turkish state over the rights of the Kurdish minority.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, currently in Russia for the Brics summit, condemned the “vile terror attack” during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He reassured the public that security forces acted swiftly to neutralize the threat and prevent further harm.
Authorities have imposed a media blackout on details of the attack, restricting access to social media platforms in certain regions of the country. The president of Turkey’s Radio and TV Supreme Council has urged the public not to share images that could aid terrorist activities.
TAI is a significant player in Turkey’s aerospace industry, responsible for designing, developing, and manufacturing aircraft for both commercial and military purposes. As the licensed manufacturer for US-designed F-16 fighter jets, TAI plays a crucial role in modernizing aircraft for the Turkish military.
The attack occurred amidst a major trade fair for defense and aerospace industries in Istanbul, underscoring the importance of security measures in the region. As investigations continue into the motives behind the attack, the Turkish government remains vigilant in safeguarding its citizens and critical infrastructure.
