Turkish authorities said on Wednesday that a deadly attack was carried out at the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) near Ankara, while media reported a loud explosion at the site and an exchange of gunfire there.
"A terrorist attack was carried out against the TUSAS facilities in Kahramankazan, Ankara. Unfortunately, we have martyrs and injured people," Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on social media X.
The cause of the explosion and the subsequent gunfire remained unclear, with some media reports claiming a suicide attack had occurred. Emergency services were dispatched to the site, state-owned Anadolu Agency reported.
Television images showed a damaged gate and a nearby clash in a parking lot.
TUSAS is one of Turkey's most important defence and aviation companies. It produces KAAN, the country's first national combat aircraft, among other projects.
Türk Havacılık ve Uzay Sanayii AŞ. (TUSAŞ) Ankara Kahramankazan tesislerine yönelik terör saldırısı gerçekleştirilmiştir.
— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) October 23, 2024
Saldırı sonrası maalesef şehit ve yaralılarımız bulunmaktadır.
Şehitlerimize Allah’tan rahmet; yaralılarımıza acil şifalar diliyorum.
Gelişmelerden kamuoyu…
TUSAŞ Ankara Kahramankazan yerleşkesine terör saldırısı düzenlendi ⤵️
— Anadolu Ajansı (@anadoluajansi) October 23, 2024
◼️ Olay yerine güvenlik güçleri, itfaiye ve sağlık ekipleri sevk edildi
◼️ İçişleri Bakanı Yerlikaya: Saldırı sonrası maalesef şehit ve yaralılarımız bulunmaktadır
◼️ Dezenformasyonla Mücadele Merkezi:… pic.twitter.com/s5T4WKmUQj