Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is at the Brics summit in Russia, states that the attackers set off explosives and opened fire inside the state aviation and defense company’s premises.
The Turkish president condemns the attack.
Turkey‘s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya says the attack on Tusas was a terrorist attack.
He believes it is highly likely that the attack was carried out by the outlawed Kurdish PKK party. So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack. The perpetrators have not been identified.
On Wednesday night, Turkey attacked targets belonging to the PKK in northern Iraq and northern Syria. 32 targets have been hit in the airstrikes, the Ministry of Defense says, according to the state-run Turkish news agency Anadolu.
It is not yet known how many have been killed and injured, apart from the fact that a significant number must have been killed, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The PKK has not yet commented on the attacks.
Killed perpetrators
Four of those killed in the attack on Tusas were employees of the company, while the fifth was the taxi driver who drove the alleged perpetrators there.
Two perpetrators have also been killed, a man and a woman, says Yerlikaya.
22 people were injured, seven of whom belonged to the special forces, writes the news agency DPA.
Television images showed a large plume of smoke rising from the headquarters, located in Kahramankazan, four miles outside the Turkish capital, Ankara.
Certain media have reported a hostage situation inside the head office, but this has not been officially confirmed.
Attack the day after Kurdistan statement
The attack came a day after the head of Turkey’s far-right nationalist party, which is allied with Erdogan, raised the possibility that the jailed leader of the PKK could be granted parole if he renounces violence and disbands his organization.
Turkey’s Defense Minister Yasar Guler also points in the direction of the PKK after the attack.
– We give these PKK villains the punishment they deserve every time. But they never come to their senses. We will pursue them until the last terrorist is eliminated, says Guler.
Abdullah Öcalan’s group has been fighting for autonomy in southeastern Turkey in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people since the 1980s. The PKK is considered a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies.
Kurdish militants, IS and left-wing extremists have previously carried out terrorist attacks in Turkey.
Manufactures drones
cough is a large company in Turkey within both aviation and defense equipment. With their over 10,000 employees, they produce, among other things, drones that have been essential for Turkey to have an advantage in battles against Kurdish militias and on the border with Iraq.
Several Turkish media report that the perpetrators arrived in a taxi during a changing of the guard. One of the perpetrators is said to have detonated a bomb while the others entered the building and started shooting. This information has not been confirmed by the police either.
Support from East and West
Several have condemned the attack in Turkey. Russian President Vladimir Putin was early on during the meeting with Erdogan.
– We are very happy to welcome you to Kazan, but before we start the work I would like to express my condolences in connection with the terrorist attack, Putin said at the start of the talks with his Turkish counterpart.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also contacted the president.
– I just spoke to Erdogan about the terrorist attack in Ankara. My message was clear: NATO stands with Turkey, Mark Rutte signed X.
A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry describes the attack as deeply shocking, she also added that Germany condemns all forms of terrorism, writes the AFP news agency.
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Interview with Dr. Elif Atalay, Political Analyst and Middle Eastern Affairs Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Atalay. In light of the recent attack on the state aviation and defense company Tusas, can you provide us with insight into the implications of this incident for Turkey?
Dr. Atalay: Thank you for having me. The attack is significant as it directly targets a vital component of Turkey’s defense sector, emphasizing the threats to national security. President Erdogan’s condemnation reflects a united front against terrorism, and the Interior Minister’s assertion that this was a terrorist attack signals that the government sees this as part of a broader conflict involving the PKK.
Editor: The Turkish Interior Minister has suggested that the PKK is behind this attack. What does this mean for the country’s ongoing struggle with the group?
Dr. Atalay: The PKK has been a longstanding adversary of the Turkish state. If the government confirms that the PKK is responsible, we can anticipate an escalation in military operations against them, particularly in northern Iraq and Syria, where Turkey is already conducting airstrikes. This may lead to a cycle of violence that further destabilizes the region.
Editor: There are reports of a hostage situation connected to the attack, although it hasn’t been verified. How does this uncertainty complicate the situation for Ankara?
Dr. Atalay: The potential of hostages creates a critical situation, as it raises immediate concerns regarding the safety of civilians and complicates military responses. Officials will have to balance the urgency of a rescue operation against the risk of endangering hostages, thus influencing public perception and political narratives around the attack.
Editor: The timing of the attack, just after discussions about the PKK leader’s potential parole, adds another layer to this scenario. How do you interpret this coincidence?
Dr. Atalay: It certainly raises questions about the motivations behind the attack. The suggestion of a possible parole of Abdullah Öcalan seems to have provoked a violent response, possibly from factions within the PKK that oppose any form of negotiation. This indicates a deep division within the organization and could lead to further violence as some groups may view reconciliation attempts as a betrayal.
Editor: With 22 people injured and four employees killed, what does this attack signify for ordinary Turkish citizens and their perception of security?
Dr. Atalay: This attack underscores an ongoing fear for civilians in Turkey, particularly in urban areas close to conflict zones. As violence continues, public trust in government security measures may erode, leading to increased apprehension. This could also influence political dynamics, with calls for more stringent security policies likely to emerge, as evidenced by the aggressive rhetoric from Turkey’s Defense Minister.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Atalay. It’s clear that this attack could have far-reaching implications for Turkey’s domestic and foreign policy moving forward.
Dr. Atalay: Absolutely, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this critical issue.
Decisions. This uncertainty adds pressure on the government to act swiftly yet cautiously, which can affect its overall strategy in dealing with the PKK.
Editor: In the wake of the attack, we’ve seen solidarity from international leaders like Putin and NATO’s Secretary General Rutte. How important is this support for Turkey’s response strategy?
Dr. Atalay: International support is crucial for Turkey, especially in fighting this ongoing threat. Endorsements from figures like Putin and NATO’s Secretary General reinforce Turkey’s position against terrorism and validate its military operations in the region. It also opens up potential avenues for cooperation, intelligence sharing, and further diplomatic engagement, which can help Turkey bolster its security efforts.
Editor: Lastly, with Turkey’s defense industry being a critical asset, what might be the broader implications for its global partnerships and sales in the wake of such an attack?
Dr. Atalay: This attack could prompt Turkey to reassess its security measures within the defense sector, affecting both production and international partnerships. However, it may also reinforce the narrative that Turkey is a crucial player in regional security, which could attract foreign investment or partnerships in defense manufacturing. The optics of this attack might also compel allies to enhance their support for Turkey, both politically and economically.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Atalay, for your valuable insights into this complex situation.
Dr. Atalay: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep discussing these issues as they unfold.
