A deadly attack occurred at the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) headquarters in Kahramankazan, near Ankara, leaving three people dead and five others injured, according to local officials. The incident took place on Tuesday, and details surrounding the attack remain unclear.
Selim Cirpanoglu, the mayor of Kahramankazan province, confirmed the casualties during an interview with Turkish TV channel Tele1. Eyewitnesses reported that multiple armed assailants entered the facility amid gunfire and a loud explosion, creating a chaotic scene.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya described the event as a “terrorist attack” in a social media post. “Unfortunately, we have martyrs and injured people,” he stated, though he did not provide specific information on the attackers’ identities or motives.
Initial reports suggested that a suicide attack may have occurred and indicated that hostages were taken inside the building. However, officials have not confirmed these claims. Witnesses described a tense atmosphere as employees were taken to designated shelters within the facility. Authorities reportedly barred anyone from leaving the premises while the situation unfolded.
Sources indicated that explosions may have occurred at various exits as workers were preparing to leave for the day. The state-run Anadolu Agency reported that emergency services rushed to the site, where images showed a damaged gate and gunfire erupting in a parking lot. Footage from the scene depicted attackers armed with assault rifles and carrying backpacks as they entered the facility.
In response to the attack, Turkish prosecutors have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances and identify the perpetrators. TUSAS plays a significant role in Turkey’s defense industry, producing key military assets such as the KAAN, the country’s first national combat aircraft, and employing over 10,000 individuals.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed solidarity with Turkey following the attack. He stated on social media, “Deeply concerning reports of dead and wounded in Ankara. NATO stands with our Ally Turkey. We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and are monitoring developments closely.”
The attack has heightened concerns over security in Turkey, particularly in light of ongoing tensions in the region. As investigations continue, authorities are working to uncover more information about the attackers and the motives behind the assault.