Turkey announced on Wednesday (October 23rd) that a deadly attack had taken place at the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) near Ankara. Media reports described a huge explosion at the scene, with thick smoke billowing and flames reaching the sky. The incident remains under investigation, and the cause of the attack is yet to be determined.
Interior Minister of Turkey, Ali Yerlikaya, took to social media to confirm the tragic event, stating that the TUSAS facility in Kahramankazan, Ankara, was targeted in a terrorist attack, resulting in casualties and injuries. Following the explosion, gunshots were reported, adding to the chaotic situation. Videos shared on social media platforms showed armed attackers entering the TUSAS facility and opening fire, with some reports suggesting a possible suicide attack and hostage situation within the building.
Emergency services were swiftly dispatched to the site as reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency, while witnesses revealed that employees inside the building were guided to safe zones with no one permitted to leave. Speculations arose that the explosion might have occurred at different exits of the building as employees were finishing their workday.
Footage captured on television displayed damage to the TUSAS gate and gunfire exchanges in the vicinity. Earlier on the same day, another attack had targeted a TUSAS plant in Ankara, with initial reports indicating that two attackers had detonated explosives and engaged in gunfire at the entrance gate.
TUSAS holds significant importance in the Turkish defense and aviation sector, having produced the country’s first national fighter jet, “KAAN,” and being actively involved in various defense projects. The Mayor of Ankara, Mansur Yavas, expressed deep sorrow over the attack on the major defense company, TUSAS.
Established in 1973 and incorporated into the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology, TUSAS aimed to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign defense industries. A spokesperson informed CNN that the United States Department of State is closely monitoring the developments of the attack.
Following the assault, TUSAS CEO Mehmet Demiroglu opted to leave the highly anticipated defense exhibition prematurely and return to Ankara. Meanwhile, the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was attending the annual BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, when the attack unfolded.