On October 23rd, a tragic incident unfolded at the headquarters of the Turkish Aerospace Industries in the outskirts of Ankara, where explosions and gunfire were reported. Initial assessments by the Turkish Interior Ministry suggest that this was a terrorist attack, resulting in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to 22 others.
The events began around 3 PM local time. According to local news reports, an armed assailant, brandishing a rifle, arrived at the entrance of the building via taxi during a security shift change. Subsequently, the attacker detonated a bomb, creating chaos, and took the opportunity to storm into the premises, engaging in a firefight with security personnel on site. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of panic with the sounds of gunfire and explosions ringing out.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya expressed his condolences, stating, “Regrettably, we have lost five heroes, and 22 others have been wounded in this attack. Of those injured, three have been discharged from the hospital, while 19 are continuing their treatment.” He also noted that both male and female attackers were killed during the confrontation, although their identities have not yet been confirmed, and it remains unclear if others are still at large.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the horrendous act of terrorism and expressed sympathy for the fallen. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz added that of the five deceased, four were employees of the Turkish Aerospace Industries, and one was the taxi driver who transported the assailants to the scene.
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler has pointed fingers at the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), citing their repeated failure to reform despite previous punitive actions. He asserted that the military will continue operations against them until the last terrorist is eliminated.
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