Four individuals lost their lives, and 14 were injured in an assault at the Turkish Aerospace Industries’ headquarters. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and a loud explosion at the facility near Ankara.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya described the incident as a terrorist attack, confirming the deaths of two attackers. He noted that three of the wounded were in critical condition. Earlier, television footage depicted armed assailants entering the TUSAS building.
While attending a BRICS conference in Kazan, Russia, alongside President Vladimir Putin, President Tayyip Erdogan also labelled the incident a terrorist attack.
The specific cause and perpetrators of the explosion and shooting are still undetermined, with no claims of responsibility having surfaced yet. Prosecutors have initiated an investigation, as reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency.
Although some media suggested the possibility of a suicide attack and hostages within the facility, these details have not been officially verified.
According to reports, the explosions might have occurred at different exits as employees left for the day.
Broadcast footage showed a damaged gate and scenes of gunfire exchanged in a parking lot, capturing attackers armed with rifles and backpacks as they entered the building. The emergency response included ambulances and helicopters arriving at the scene.
TUSAS, Turkey’s premier aerospace manufacturer, employs over 10,000 people. It produces training aircraft, combat and civilian helicopters and is developing KAAN, Turkey’s first indigenous fighter jet. The Turkish Armed Forces Foundation and the government own the company.
