Two attackers launched a devastating assault at the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) headquarters near Ankara on Wednesday, killing five people and wounding 22 others. The attack, which Turkish authorities have termed a terrorist incident, unfolded with sudden violence, with witnesses reporting hearing both gunfire and an explosion. The incident, occurring in a high-profile location responsible for significant aerospace developments, has sent shockwaves through Turkey and garnered international condemnation.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that the two attackers were neutralized by security forces. In a statement, Yerlikaya said, “Two terrorists were neutralized in the terror attack on the TUSAS Ankara Kahramankazan site.” He expressed his deep sorrow over the fatalities, adding, “Sadly, we have five martyrs and 22 wounded in the attack. Three of the injured have already been discharged from the hospital, while 19 others remain under treatment.” Among the injured, two were reported to be in critical condition.
Yerlikaya suggested that the attackers were likely affiliated with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group that has been involved in a long-standing insurgency against the Turkish state. “The style of the act shows that it is highly likely the PKK carried out the attack. Once identification is completed and other evidence becomes clearer, we will share more concrete information with you,” Yerlikaya stated, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing.
Footage aired by TV broadcasters showed dramatic scenes as the armed assailants entered the TUSAS building, carrying assault rifles and backpacks. The attackers gained access to the premises through a parking lot, where they exchanged gunfire with security personnel. Images later showed a damaged gate and bullet holes, evidence of the violent clash that had unfolded. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with employees being swiftly evacuated by authorities to safety shelters within the building. No one was permitted to leave the area for several hours while the situation was being brought under control.
The assault prompted an immediate military response. Later on Wednesday, the Turkish defence ministry announced that the Turkish Air Force had conducted a series of retaliatory airstrikes in northern Iraq and northern Syria, targeting 32 PKK positions. The ministry indicated that many PKK militants were killed in these operations, further escalating the ongoing conflict between Turkish forces and the Kurdish group.
The Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan, who was attending a BRICS conference in the Russian city of Kazan alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, condemned the attack. Putin offered his condolences, and Erdogan vowed that Turkey would not be deterred by acts of terrorism. The international community also reacted strongly, with NATO, the United States, and the European Union all condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with Turkey. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the alliance’s support for its member state, stating, “We stand with our ally Turkey in these difficult times.”
State-run Anadolu Agency reported that prosecutors had already launched an investigation into the incident, indicating that a thorough probe would be conducted to determine all the circumstances surrounding the attack. For many, this is yet another tragic reminder of the lingering threat posed by terrorist organizations within Turkey and a harsh reflection of the risks faced by those working in strategic sectors.
The TUSAS campus, which became the target of this brazen attack, is a critical component of Turkey’s aerospace industry. It is the largest aerospace manufacturer in the country and is currently involved in the production of training aircraft, both combat and civilian helicopters, as well as the development of KAAN, Turkey’s first indigenous fighter jet. Owned jointly by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation and the government, TUSAS employs over 10,000 people and plays a vital role in supporting Turkey’s ambitions to develop self-sufficiency in defence and aerospace technologies.
As the situation was being brought under control, the evacuation of personnel from the TUSAS campus finally commenced. Witnesses reported that employees who had been taken to shelters were now being escorted to buses to leave the area. With the operation concluded, life at TUSAS will attempt to return to some semblance of normalcy, although the attack leaves behind a grim reminder of the threat that still exists.
The footage of the incident, showing attackers armed and prepared for maximum impact, underscores the ongoing security challenges Turkey faces. As a hub of aerospace innovation, TUSAS is symbolic of Turkey’s progress in technology and defence, making it a high-value target for those wishing to disrupt the nation’s stability.
Turkey’s government has pledged to increase security measures and enhance protective protocols at strategic sites across the country to prevent similar incidents in the future. Authorities are working on analyzing evidence collected from the scene to identify how the attackers gained access and to learn if there were lapses in security. The attack is also a stark reminder to Turkey and its allies of the continued need for vigilance against the persistent threat of terrorism.
As investigations continue, the Turkish public mourns the loss of life, and the government has made it clear that it will not rest until those responsible for planning and facilitating such acts are brought to justice. The tragic event at TUSAS has once again highlighted the dangerous and volatile environment in which Turkey operates, and the significant challenges the country faces in safeguarding its strategic assets and its citizens.