Major social media platforms, including X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, were restricted in Turkey on Wednesday following a deadly terror attack targeting the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) in Ankara. The attack, which left five people dead and over 20 injured, prompted the government to impose a lockdown on social media platforms, according to a report from Mirror UK.
The internet observatory NetBlocks, which tracks global cybersecurity and digital governance issues, confirmed the restrictions through a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). The post read, “Confirmed: Live metrics show social media platforms including X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok have been restricted in #Turkey,” and noted that the lockdown was implemented after authorities imposed a broadcast ban related to the terror attack.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos, recounting how a large explosion rocked the TUSAS complex, followed by a burst of gunfire. Thick smoke was seen rising from the site, with images showing substantial damage to several structures in the vicinity of the aerospace facility.
Turkey’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, confirmed that the two attackers, identified as a man and a woman, were killed during the attack. Although the perpetrators were not immediately identified, Defense Minister Yasar Guler suggested that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a militant group that has clashed with Turkish forces for decades, was likely behind the assault.
The timing for lifting the restrictions on social media platforms remains unclear as authorities continue to handle the aftermath of the attack.
Turkey frequently imposes restrictions on media and social platforms during national security incidents to control the flow of information and manage public discourse.
