A major defense company has been apparently targeted in a deadly terror attack in Turkey. At least four people are dead, and more than a dozen others are injured in Ankara, Turkish officials said.
Government officials confirmed that the attack occurred at the Turkish Aerospace Industries’ headquarters. Turkish Aerospace Industries employs nearly 10,000 people and produces drones, fighter jets, and combat and civilian helicopters. It is owned by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation.
Videos from the scene on Wednesday, Oct. 23, showed explosions and the sound of gunfire erupting. It is currently unclear who is responsible for the attack, as no group has come forward to accept responsibility.
Reuters reports that broadcasters showed images of the assailants carrying rifles and backpacks as they entered the building. Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said two of the terrorists were neutralized.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte condemned the attack in a post on X, stating, “NATO stands with our ally Turkey. We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and are monitoring developments closely.”
Deeply concerning reports of dead and wounded in Ankara. #NATO stands with our Ally #Turkey. We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and are monitoring developments closely.
— Mark Rutte (@SecGenNATO) October 23, 2024
Rutte noted that he has spoken to Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is currently attending the BRICS summit in Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences during his opening remarks while visiting with Erdoğan.