In a deadly assault near Turkey’s capital, Ankara, armed assailants launched a terror attack on the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) headquarters on Wednesday, killing at least four people and injuring 14 others, three of whom are in critical condition. The attack has shocked the nation, with officials calling it a heinous act of terrorism targeting one of the country’s most vital defense institutions.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the casualties and labeled the incident a “terrorist attack.” According to Yerlikaya, the assailants, identified as a man and a woman, were both killed by security forces on the scene. “I condemn this heinous attack. Our fight will continue with determination until the last terrorist is neutralized,” Yerlikaya said in a statement, offering condolences to the families of those killed. He also expressed hopes for a speedy recovery for the injured.
A video circulated on social media, which was later verified and geolocated, captured the moment an explosion rocked the TUSAS headquarters. In the footage, a person carrying a firearm is seen running through what appears to be the parking lot of the facility, causing panic among employees and nearby residents. Turkish authorities are working diligently to confirm the identities of the attackers, but as of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The timing of the assault has raised concerns both domestically and internationally. TUSAS, one of Turkey’s largest defense contractors, is a key player in the production of armed drones and fighter jets. Founded in 1973 under the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the company was designed to reduce Turkey’s reliance on foreign defense suppliers. This attack has struck at the heart of Turkey’s defense industry, casting a shadow over the country’s national security.
Mehmet Demiroglu, the general manager of TUSAS, was attending a high-profile defense fair when the attack occurred. He left the event abruptly to return to Ankara and address the situation at the company’s headquarters. The Turkish government has pledged to bring those responsible to justice and has launched a full-scale investigation, led by the Ministry of Justice.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was in the Russian city of Kazan attending the BRICS summit at the time of the attack, condemned the violence in a joint statement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I condemn this hateful attack, and we will continue our efforts to fight against terrorism,” Erdogan said. Putin expressed his condolences, affirming Russia’s stance against terrorism in all forms. “We condemn any manifestations of this kind, no matter what their motivations are,” Putin stated.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also expressed solidarity with Turkey in the wake of the attack. In a phone call with Erdogan, Rutte voiced NATO’s support, calling the assault “deeply concerning.” He emphasized that NATO “stands with Turkey” in its fight against terrorism, highlighting the importance of defending allies against such threats.
Local officials have echoed these sentiments. Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas expressed his sadness over the incident, calling it a blow to Turkey’s defense capabilities. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc confirmed that a thorough investigation has been launched to determine who was behind the attack. “This attack on a major Turkish defense contractor is a serious blow, and it raises many questions about the motivations and objectives of the attackers,” Tunc stated.
Turkey has not experienced this level of violence in several years, and experts believe the incident will cause significant unrest in the country. Aslı Aydıntaşbaş, an associate senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said the attack will have a lasting impact on Turkey’s national psyche. “An attack on a public company like TUSAS, which is the crown jewel of Turkey’s defense industry, is going to be a huge trauma,” she explained. Aydıntaşbaş added that there would be many theories and speculations until more information comes to light regarding the attackers and their motives.
The Turkish government’s Center for Countering Disinformation has urged the public to avoid spreading false information and to rely solely on official statements. The warning comes as various conspiracy theories have begun circulating on social media, fueling concerns about the potential political ramifications of the attack.
As Turkey continues to reel from the shock of the attack, global responses have begun pouring in. The U.S. State Department stated that it is closely monitoring the situation, while the U.S. Embassy in Turkey issued a strong condemnation of the attack, offering support to its NATO ally. “We strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Ankara and stand with our ally Turkey,” the U.S. Embassy posted on X (formerly Twitter). International leaders have expressed solidarity with Turkey, highlighting the global consensus against acts of terror.
