23-10-2024 (ANKARA) A terrorist attack at Turkey’s premier aerospace facility has resulted in multiple casualties, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, marking a serious security breach at one of the nation’s critical defence installations.
The assault targeted Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) headquarters in Kahramankazan, on the outskirts of Ankara, with witnesses reporting a powerful explosion followed by intense gunfire. Emergency services rushed to the scene as security forces engaged in what appeared to be an armed confrontation in the facility’s grounds.
Television footage revealed significant damage to the facility’s entrance gate, while security cameras captured scenes of violence erupting in a nearby car park. Local media sources have suggested the possibility of a suicide bombing, though officials have yet to confirm the exact nature of the attack.
TUSAS, a cornerstone of Turkey’s defence industry, is particularly notable for manufacturing KAAN, the country’s first domestically produced combat aircraft, alongside other strategic military projects. The attack on such a sensitive installation has raised serious concerns about security protocols at critical infrastructure sites.
Minister Yerlikaya confirmed the presence of both fatalities and injuries, referring to the deceased as “martyrs” in accordance with Turkish custom for those killed in service to the state. The exact number of casualties has not yet been disclosed as authorities continue their initial investigation.
– The first picture of one of the perpetrators of the attack on the Turkish Aerospace Industries headquarters in Ankara, #Türkiyehttps://t.co/yXEaey8Ylg pic.twitter.com/5m6isFLfLs
— The Global Eye (@TGEThGlobalEye) October 23, 2024
The incident represents one of the most significant security breaches at a Turkish military-industrial complex in recent years, potentially impacting the nation’s defence capabilities and ongoing aerospace projects. Security forces have cordoned off the area while investigation teams work to determine the full scope of the attack and identify those responsible.
