Several killed in ‘terrorist attack’ in Ankara – as Türkiye retaliates against Iraq and Syria attacks

Authorities said five people were killed in an apparent terrorist attack in Turkey on the headquarters of a defense and aerospace company.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said two attackers – a man and a woman – were killed. The condition of two of the 22 injured is critical.

Local media reported that multiple gunshots were heard after Turkish security forces entered the capital, Ankara.

“I condemn this heinous terrorist attack and wish mercy for our martyrs” – President Recep Tayyip Erdogan – he said during a meeting with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a meeting in Kazan, Russia.

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Putin, who is hosting world leaders at a summit of the BRICS bloc of emerging economies, expressed his condolences.

One of the victims was identified as mechanical engineer Zahide Guclu, who went to the entrance to collect flowers sent by her husband, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

Yerlikaya said the militant Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) was believed to be behind the attack on the company. Defense Minister Yasar Guler also blamed the PKK.

Although no one has yet claimed responsibility, Turkey’s defense ministry said its jets carried out airstrikes in northern Iraq and northern Syria against PKK targets in response to the attack.

The PKK is considered a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies.

A total of 32 targets were hit, the ministry said, and air operations continued.

Kurdish militants, Islamic State and left-wing extremists have carried out attacks in the country in the past.

TUSAS (Turkish Aerospace Industries) is one of the most important Turkish companies in the defense and aviation industry, producing, among others, KAAN, the country’s first national combat aircraft.

How did the attack go?

Turkish media reported that the attackers drove a taxi to the entrance to the TUSAS complex.

The attackers carrying assault weapons detonated an explosive device next to the taxi, causing panic and allowing them to enter.

Anadolu Agency reported that the attackers also killed a taxi driver and his body was found in the trunk of the vehicle.

CCTV footage of the attack shows a plainclothes man carrying a backpack and holding an assault rifle.

Videos circulating on social media show residents ducking for cover as large explosions were heard during the attack, possibly followed by gunfire.

DHA news agency and other media reported that multiple gunshots were heard after security forces entered the scene.

Helicopters were seen over the premises.

One video taken from a parking lot showed people watching as dust billowed into the air a short distance away, before more gunshots were heard.

Security forces, ambulances and firefighters were dispatched to the scene.

As reported by HaberTurk television, the workers were taken to a safe place.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “I am appalled by the terrorist attack in Ankara.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with Turkey as a NATO ally and close friend.

“Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and all those affected.”

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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said: “Deeply disturbing reports of dead and injured in Ankara.

“NATO stands on the side of our ally, Turkey.

“We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and are closely monitoring developments.”

TUSAS designs, manufactures and assembles civil and military aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and other defense and space industry systems.