A deadly terrorist attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries near Ankara leaves five dead and 22 wounded, with suspected links to Kurdish rebels.
At a Glance
- Two attackers, a man and a woman, targeted Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) headquarters
- Five people were killed, including four TAI employees and a taxi driver
- Turkish officials suspect involvement of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)
- Turkey launched retaliatory air strikes on Kurdish targets in northern Iraq and Syria
- A media blackout was imposed, and social media access was restricted in large areas of Turkey
Deadly Assault on Turkish Defense Facility
On October 23, 2024, a terrorist attack struck the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) near Ankara, leaving five dead and 22 wounded. The assault, carried out by two attackers armed with rifles and explosives, targeted a vital component of Turkey’s defense industry during a shift change. The incident has sparked international concern and prompted swift action from Turkish authorities.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that the attackers, a man and a woman, were “neutralized” by security forces. Among the victims were four TAI employees and a taxi driver, who was reportedly killed by the assailants to commandeer his vehicle. Seven special operations forces members were also among the injured.
Suspected PKK Involvement and Government Response
Turkish officials have pointed to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) as the likely perpetrators of the attack, although no group has claimed responsibility. The PKK, recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the United Kingdom, has been engaged in a long-standing conflict with the Turkish state. “We inflict the necessary punishment on those ignoble P.K.K. members, but they never wisen up,” stated Defense Minister Yasar Guler, underscoring the government’s stance on the matter.
In response to the attack, Turkey launched immediate airstrikes on Kurdish rebel targets in northern Iraq and Syria. The Turkish military reported destroying more than 30 targets in this aerial offensive, emphasizing that precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties.
LATEST: At least three people were killed and 14 others were injured in a "terrorist attack" at Turkish Aerospace Industries facilities near the capital of Ankara on Wednesday, Turkey's interior minister said. https://t.co/UOjQYPsM7u
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) October 23, 2024
Information Control and International Reaction
The Turkish government swiftly imposed a media blackout following the attack, restricting local news coverage to official statements. Social media access was also limited in large areas of Turkey, with the Radio and TV Supreme Council urging the removal of attack-related images from social media platforms. “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 termed a “vile terror attack.”
The international community has rallied in support of Turkey following the attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his condolences, and NATO expressed solidarity with its member state. These gestures of support underscore the global concern over acts of terrorism and the importance of international cooperation in combating such threats.
Impact on Turkey’s Defense Industry
The attack on TAI, a key player in Turkey’s aerospace and defense sectors, coincided with a major defense and aerospace trade fair in Istanbul. TAI, also known as TUSAS, is renowned for its role in manufacturing and modernizing military aircraft, as well as producing combat aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
This assault on a strategic defense facility highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Turkey and the potential vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure. As investigations continue and the nation mourns its losses, the incident is likely to prompt a reassessment of security measures at key industrial and military sites across the country.
Sources:
Attack on aerospace firm in Turkey’s Ankara kills 5, injures 22
At least five dead in attack at Turkish aviation company
‘Terrorist’ Attack on Turkish Aerospace Company Leaves 5 Dead
