Many killed in 'terror attack' in Ankara as Türkiye retaliates for attacks in Iraq and Syria

Five people died in a terrorist attack on the headquarters of a defense and aerospace company in Turkey, officials said.

Minister of Internal Affairs Ali Yerlikaya said that two attackers, one male and one female, were killed. Two of the 22 injured people are in critical condition.

According to local media reports, many gunshots were heard after Turkish security forces entered the field in the capital Ankara.

“I condemn this heinous terrorist attack and pray for mercy on our martyrs,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan He said the following in his meeting with the Russian President: Vladimir Putin On the sidelines of a meeting in Kazan, Russia.

Summary of the Turkish attack: Updates as is

Hosting world leaders at the summit of the BRICS developing economies bloc, Mr. Putin expressed his condolences.

Anadolu Agency said one of the victims was identified as Zahide Güçlü, a mechanical engineer who went to the entrance to receive the flowers sent by her husband.

Mr Yerlikaya said the militant Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) was believed to be behind the attack on the defense company. Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler also blamed the PKK.

While no one has yet claimed responsibility, the Turkish defense ministry said its jets carried out airstrikes on PKK targets in northern Iraq and northern Syria in response to the attack.

The PKK is considered a terrorist organization by Türkiye and its Western allies.

The ministry said that a total of 32 targets were hit and air operations continued.

Kurdish militants, the Islamic State group and leftist extremists have all carried out attacks in the country in the past.

TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries), one of Turkey’s most important defense and aerospace companies, produces the country’s first national fighter plane, KAAN, among other projects.

How did the attack happen?

Turkish media reported that the attackers arrived at the entrance of the TAI complex by taxi.

The attackers carrying assault weapons detonated the explosive next to the taxi, causing panic and allowing the taxi to enter.

According to Anadolu Agency, the taxi driver was also killed by the attackers and his body was found in the trunk of the vehicle.

CCTV footage of the attack shows a man in civilian clothes carrying a backpack and holding an assault rifle.

Videos circulating on social media show residents trying to hide during the attack when large explosions were heard, followed by gunshots.

According to DHA news agency and other media reports, many gunshots were heard after security forces entered the area.

Helicopters were seen flying over the facility.

Video taken from a parking lot showed people a short distance away watching as the air filled with dust as more gunshots rang out.

It was stated that security forces, ambulances and fire brigades were dispatched to the scene.

HaberTürk television reported that the employees were taken to a safe area.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “I am horrified by the terrorist attack in Ankara.

“As a NATO ally and close friend, we stand shoulder to shoulder with Türkiye.

“Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and everyone affected.”

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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said: “News of dead and injured in Ankara is deeply worrying.

“NATO stands by our ally Turkey.

“We strongly condemn all forms of terrorism and are monitoring developments closely.”

TAI carries out the design, production and assembly of civil and military aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and other defense industry and space systems.