Suicide Bombing and Hostage Situation at TUSAŞ Headquarters in Ankara Kills at Least Ten

Oct 23, 2024, 02:14 PM

An explosion and gunfire erupted on October 23, 2024, at the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) in Ankara, Turkey. The Turkish Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, labeled the incident a terrorist attack, confirming that at least ten people were killed and multiple others injured. The attackers, including at least one woman, arrived at the facility in a taxi; one detonated a suicide vest at the entrance while others, armed with assault rifles and carrying backpacks possibly containing explosives, entered the building and engaged in gunfire. Hostages were reportedly taken, and workers barricaded themselves inside. Turkish special forces were deployed to the scene, arriving by helicopter, and have neutralized at least two of the assailants while a third remains inside holding hostages. The facility, which produces military drones and modernizes F-16 aircraft, is a key part of Turkey's defense industry. While no group has claimed responsibility, suspicions have fallen on the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), though this remains unconfirmed. Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz condemned the attack, stating that it targeted the successes Turkey has achieved in its defense industry and emphasizing that such attacks will not deter the nation's commitment.