ANKARA: Four people were killed and 14 others injured in an attack at the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) headquarters on Wednesday. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and a loud explosion near Ankara.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that two attackers were killed in what he described as a terrorist attack, adding that three of the injured are in critical condition. Footage broadcasted on television showed armed assailants entering the TUSAS building. “Sadly, we have three martyrs and 14 wounded in the attack,” Yerlikaya stated.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, attending a BRICS conference in Kazan with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, also referred to the incident as a terrorist attack.
The cause and identity of the attackers remain unclear, and no group has claimed responsibility. Prosecutors have launched an investigation, according to state-run Anadolu Agency. Some media reports suggested it may have been a suicide attack and indicated that hostages were taken, although officials have not confirmed this.
Witnesses reported that employees inside the building were evacuated to shelters and were not allowed to leave for several hours. They noted that the blasts might have occurred at different exits as employees were leaving work for the day.
Broadcast footage displayed a damaged gate and scenes of gunfire in a parking lot, with attackers carrying assault rifles and backpacks as they entered the building. Ambulances and helicopters were dispatched to the scene.
TUSAS is Turkey’s largest aerospace manufacturer, producing training aircraft, combat and civilian helicopters, and developing the country’s first indigenous fighter jet, KAAN. Owned by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation and the government, it employs over 10,000 people.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte condemned the attack, affirming that the military alliance stands with its ally Turkey. The European Union delegation in Turkey also condemned the incident.
In solidarity, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack. In a statement, Zardari expressed full solidarity with the Turkish people during this difficult time, extending condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a swift recovery for the injured. He emphasized that terrorism, in all its forms, is a global menace and that Pakistan understands the pain caused by such brutal acts.
On X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed similar sentiments, offering heartfelt condolences to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish people, affirming Pakistan’s unwavering support.
