Armed assailants launched a deadly “terror” attack on Turkey’s state-run aerospace company in the capital Ankara on Wednesday, government officials said.
At least three people were killed and 14 injured in the “terrorist attack” on the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) headquarters on the outskirts of Ankara, said Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Two attackers were killed, he added.
“I condemn this heinous attack. Our fight will continue with determination and determination until the last terrorist is neutralized,” Yerlikaya said. “May God have mercy on our martyrs. I wish a speedy recovery to our injured.”
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A social media video verified and geolocated by CNN showed the moment an explosion rocked the TUSAS headquarters. After the blast, a person holding a firearm is seen running in what appears to be a parking lot.
Ankara mayor Mansur Yavas said he was “saddened” by the hit on TUSAS, a major defence company.
Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said an investigation had been launched into the attack.
Following the attack, the aerospace company’s general manager, Mehmet Demiroglu, left a high-profile defence fair early to return to Ankara, state news agency Anadolu reported.
TUSAS was incorporated into Turkey’s Ministry of Industry and Technology in 1973 in order to reduce the “foreign dependence” on the country’s defence industry, according to its website.
The attack occurred while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was in the Russian city of Kazan to attend the annual BRICS summit. Erdogan is expected to speak with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin later on Wednesday.
Mark Rutte, the secretary general of NATO, said he has spoken with Erdogan about the “deeply concerning” attack.
“NATO stands with Turkey,” he said.
More to come …