Turkiye says some dead, injured after attack at state aviation site

Security forces, firefighters, and paramedics are dispatched to Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TAI) facilities after explosions and gunshots were reported following a terrorist attack in the Kahramankazan district of Ankara, Turkiye on October 23, 2024 [İsmail Kaplan – Anadolu Agency]

Turkiye 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 showed footage of an exchange of gunfire there.

“A terrorist attack was carried out against the TUSAS facilities in Kahramankazan, Ankara,” said Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya on X. “Unfortunately, we have martyrs and injured people.”

The cause of the explosion and the subsequent gunfire remained unclear, Reuters has reported. Some media reports claim that a suicide attack had taken place.

Emergency services were dispatched to the site, said state-owned Anadolu Agency. Television images showed a damaged gate and a clash nearby in a car park.

TUSAS is one of Turkiye’s most important defence and aviation companies. It produces KAAN, the country’s first national combat aircraft, among other projects.

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