Ankara, Turkey – October 23, 2024
A terrorist attack claimed the lives of five people and left 22 others injured on Wednesday at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) headquarters near Turkey’s capital, Ankara. According to government officials, armed assailants targeted the state-run aerospace company in what authorities are describing as a coordinated act of violence.

Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that two attackers, identified as a man and a woman, were killed in the assault. Yerlikaya stated that the attackers were “highly likely” affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a Kurdish separatist group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union, and the United States. “The style of the act shows that it is highly likely the PKK that carried out the attack,” Yerlikaya said, though the group has not claimed responsibility.

Among the deceased were four TUSAS employees and a taxi driver who transported the assailants to the site. Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz confirmed these details in a press briefing.

Attack Details

The incident unfolded as assailants detonated an explosive device near the entrance of TUSAS’ headquarters, followed by gunfire. Social media footage verified by CNN captured the moment of the explosion and showed a figure holding a firearm, sprinting through a parking lot amidst the chaos. Additional CCTV footage, also verified, depicted the attackers approaching the aerospace facility’s entrance, each equipped with backpacks and firearms.

Interior Minister Yerlikaya noted that the attack has resulted in the hospitalization of 22 people, with two of the injured in critical condition. “We mourn the loss of five of our citizens, and we have 22 wounded, three of whom have already been discharged, with 19 still under treatment,” Yerlikaya said.

Government Response and Retaliation

Following the attack, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler issued a strong statement, vowing continued action against the PKK. “We punish the dishonorable PKK members as they deserve, but they never seem to learn,” Guler stated, reaffirming Turkey’s commitment to combating terrorism.

Later on Wednesday, Turkey conducted airstrikes on Kurdish-held regions in Syria and Iraq, signaling a swift response to the attack. Turkish authorities did not immediately confirm whether these strikes were directly linked to the Ankara attack but emphasized their intent to maintain pressure on militant groups.

This attack represents one of the most severe incidents targeting Turkish infrastructure this year, reigniting tensions surrounding Turkey’s ongoing conflict with the PKK and complicating regional security dynamics.