Janice R. Andrews
A coordinated attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) headquarters near Ankara has resulted in four fatalities and fourteen injuries, according to Turkish officials. The incident occurred in Kahramankazan, situated 40 kilometers north of the capital, involving an explosion and subsequent gunfire.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that security forces neutralized two assailants. Reports indicate the perpetrators arrived by taxi during a shift change in security personnel, with one attacker detonating an explosive device before others entered the complex. The incident prompted employees to seek shelter in bunkers while authorities secured the area.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking from the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, strongly condemned the attack. International reactions included messages of support from various leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, German officials, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who emphasized the alliance’s solidarity with Turkey.
TUSAS, a significant player in Turkey’s defense sector and manufacturer of F-16 fighter jets under US license, continues to assess the impact while authorities conduct their investigation. The incident underscores potential vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure security.
Black smoke was visible rising from the facility as emergency responders managed the situation. Officials are reviewing security protocols while the investigation continues.
