Turkish defense industry targeted in deadly terrorist attack, leaving five dead and 22 injured.
At a Glance
- At least five people killed and 22 injured in attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries near Ankara
- Attackers, a man and a woman, were “neutralized” by authorities
- Kurdish rebel group PKK suspected, though no group has claimed responsibility
- Turkey launched retaliatory air strikes on Kurdish targets in northern Iraq and Syria
- Attack coincided with major defense and aerospace trade fair in Istanbul
Deadly Assault on Turkish Defense Industry
In a brazen attack that has shaken Turkey’s defense sector, terrorists targeted the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) near Ankara, resulting in five deaths and 22 injuries. The assault, carried out by armed individuals including a man and a woman, unfolded during a shift change at the facility, catching employees off guard and forcing them to seek shelter.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that the attackers were swiftly “neutralized” by security forces, preventing further casualties. The minister’s use of this term typically indicates that the assailants were either captured or killed. Among the victims were four TAI employees and a taxi driver, reportedly killed by the attackers to commandeer his vehicle.
.@antonioguterres strongly condemns the terrorist attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries’ facilities in Ankara. The UN stands in solidarity with the people and Government of the Republic of Türkiye. https://t.co/kj35RGJcEw
— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) October 23, 2024
PKK Suspected as Culprits
While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack, Turkish authorities have pointed fingers at the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This assertion aligns with the ongoing conflict between Turkey and Kurdish separatist groups.
“We inflict the necessary punishment on those ignoble P.K.K. members, but they never wisen up,” stated Defense Minister Yasar Guler, emphasizing the government’s resolve to combat terrorism.
In response to the attack, Turkey launched immediate airstrikes on Kurdish rebel targets in northern Iraq and Syria, destroying over 30 targets. This swift retaliation underscores the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards acts of terrorism and its commitment to national security.
Impact on Turkish Aerospace Industry
The attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries is particularly significant given the company’s crucial role in Turkey’s defense sector. TAI is a major player in manufacturing and modernizing military aircraft, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and combat aircraft. The timing of the attack, coinciding with a major defense and aerospace trade fair in Istanbul, further highlights the strategic nature of the target.
“No terrorist organization, no evil focus targeting our security will be able to achieve their goals,” declared Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, condemning what he called a “vile terror attack.”
