A blast and gunfire were heard at the premises of the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries. The Turkish interior minister called it a “terrorist attack,” adding that it caused deaths and injuries.

An explosion at the headquarters of the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) near the capital Ankara killed at least four people, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

The attack also injured 14 more on Wednesday, the interior minister said. Ali Yerlikaya called it a “terrorist attack” in a tweet, adding that two “terrorists were neutralized.” Yerlikaya condemned what he described as a “heinous attack.”

Show additional content?
This content is part of the text you are currently reading. The provider X (Twitter) provides this content and may collect your usage data directly when you click “Show content”.
Always show content from X (Twitter).
“I condemn this heinous terror attack,” Erdogan said, on the sidelines of a BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia.

Shots rang out following the explosion, according to Turkey’s Anadolu Agency. Anadolu said employees of the company were brought to safety in bunkers and the area was cordoned off.

TUSAS is a developer and producer of aerospace systems, such as combat aircraft and drones. The company website says that it is a licensed manufacturer for the US-designed F-16 fighter jets.

What do we know so far?
Footage from the scene broadcast by local media initially showed large clouds of black smoke and a large fire raging at the site in Kahramankazan, a small town some 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the capital Ankara.

Turkish private NTV television said a group of assailants arrived at an entry to the complex inside a taxi during a changing of the security personnel.

At least one of the assailants detonated a bomb, while other attackers managed to enter the complex, NTV reported.

‘Terrorist’ attack condemned
Several officials worldwide condemned the attack later on Wednesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences to Erdogan while the pair met at the BRICS summit.

“We are very pleased to welcome you to Kazan, but before we begin our work I would like to express my condolences in connection with the terror attack,” Putin said.

Germany also condemned what it said was a “horrific terrorist attack.” A foreign ministry spokeswoman described it as “deeply shocking.”

NATO chief Mark Rutte offered member-state Turkey the alliance’s backing. In a call with Erdogan, Rutte stressed that “NATO stands with Turkey.”

Credit: DW News