Several individuals were killed in a “terrorist attack” at Turkish Aerospace Industries facilities near Ankara on Wednesday, according to Turkish officials. Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz reported that at least five people died and 22 were injured, including seven special forces members who responded to the incident.
Two attackers, a man and a woman, were killed, and authorities are working to identify them, stated Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. He condemned the attack in a post on X, asserting that the fight against terrorism would persist until the last perpetrator is neutralized.
Turkish Defense Minister YaÅŸar Güler suggested that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) was responsible for the attack, labeling the group a terrorist organization, as recognized by Turkey and its Western allies. He emphasized that the PKK would face severe consequences for their actions and reaffirmed the commitment to eliminate every last terrorist.
Yilmaz echoed this sentiment, indicating that the PKK appears to be linked to the attack, though investigations are ongoing.
In response, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced airstrikes that targeted and destroyed 32 PKK sites in Iraq and northern Syria, resulting in at least three explosions.
Security footage captured the armed attackers approaching the facility’s entrance with backpacks. The Turkish Aerospace Industries site is located approximately 25 miles from Ankara.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed concern over the incident, affirming NATO’s support for Turkey and its strong condemnation of terrorism.
Similarly, White House national security spokesman John Kirby condemned the violence, expressing condolences for those affected and their families while noting that the motives and details surrounding the attack remain unclear.
