The People’s Defense Forces (HPG), the military wing of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), claimed responsibility for the attack on Wednesday 23 October against the headquarters of the Turkish aerospace company Tusas, near Ankara, which caused five dead and 22 injured. In a statement, the HPG announced that the operation, “planned for some time”, was carried out by a unit of the Khalidun Brigade. The Kurdish group also confirmed the identities of the perpetrators of the attack (a man and a woman, both killed), Ali Orek and Mine Sevjin Alcicek, as announced yesterday by the Turkish Interior Ministry. The HPG explained that “this action has no relation to the political agenda discussed in Turkey in the last month”, in reference to the alleged news according to which the PKK had given its willingness to the Ankara government to start a resolution process on the Kurdish question.
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«Weapons produced by Tusas are known to have killed thousands of civilians, including children and women, in Kurdistan. There is no more legitimate right than that of every organization, institution and patriotic person in Kurdistan to act against the centers where these weapons of massacre are produced”, was specified in the statement. The affected Turkish aerospace company is active in the production of fighter jets and drones, military vehicles used by Ankara against the PKK. Founded in 1973, the state-owned company has helped make Turkey one of the few countries capable of producing fifth-generation fighter aircraft, thanks to the Kaan fighter project, which made its first test flight last February and which is expected to enter the Turkish Air Force inventory by 2028.
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Interview with Dr. Aydin Yilmaz, Middle East Politics Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Yilmaz. The attack on Tusas, claimed by the HPG, has shocked many. What are the implications of this incident for Turkey’s national security?
Dr. Yilmaz: Thank you for having me. This attack is indeed significant. It highlights the ongoing conflict between the Turkish state and the PKK, particularly as it shows that despite recent discussions aimed at peace or resolution, militant actions are still prevalent. This event puts pressure on the Turkish government and could lead to heightened security measures around critical infrastructure.
Editor: The HPG has stated that this operation was not related to the political negotiations happening in Turkey. How should we interpret this claim?
Dr. Yilmaz: The HPG’s assertion suggests a continuation of their militant strategy, irrespective of the political climate. It may also indicate a hardline stance within the organization, showing that they still hold a significant operational capacity and are willing to act independently of political dialogue. This could complicate any future negotiations between the PKK and the Turkish government.
Editor: With the casualties reported, how might this affect public sentiment in Turkey, particularly towards the PKK?
Dr. Yilmaz: Public sentiment is likely to shift towards a more hardline view against the PKK following this attack. The loss of life and injuries will resonate strongly with the public and could lead to increased calls for military action against PKK bases. This may make it even more challenging to restart any peace talks.
Editor: The implications of this attack extend beyond Turkey’s borders as well. How might this incident impact regional dynamics, especially considering the PKK’s connections with Kurdish groups in neighboring countries?
Dr. Yilmaz: The PKK remains a contentious issue in regional politics. This attack might embolden Kurdish militant groups in other countries, potentially leading to an uptick in violence or unrest in those areas. Conversely, it may provoke increased military responses from nations like Iraq and Iran, who are already wary of Kurdish autonomy movements within their borders.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Yilmaz, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. It’s an evolving situation, and we’ll be following it closely.
Dr. Yilmaz: Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep the dialogue going as events develop.
Ect public opinion in Turkey regarding the PKK and the ongoing conflict?
Dr. Yilmaz: The tragic loss of life is likely to inflame public sentiment against the PKK, especially among those who may have been open to dialogue. The Turkish public tends to react strongly to such violent incidents, which can shift perceptions and reinforce hardline views against the PKK. This could potentially close the door on any negotiations and lead to a more militaristic approach from the Turkish government moving forward.
Editor: The HPG pointed out that the weapons produced by Tusas are used against people in Kurdistan. How significant is this statement in the context of their justification for the attack?
Dr. Yilmaz: It is very significant. By framing the attack as a retaliation against the state-sanctioned violence in Kurdistan, HPG aims to bolster its narrative of defending Kurdish rights. They want to justify their actions as a form of resistance. However, such justifications do not change the reality that civilians were killed and injured, which can lead to further alienation and resentment among various communities in Turkey.
Editor: Lastly, Dr. Yilmaz, how do you see the broader implications of the attack for regional stability in the Middle East?
Dr. Yilmaz: This incident underscores the fragility of the conflict in Turkey and the implications it has for the wider region. It could provoke further unrest in Kurdish-populated areas and might inspire similar acts in neighboring countries with Kurdish populations, such as Iraq and Syria. The complex interplay of Kurdish nationalism and government repression continues to be a source of instability, and any escalation could draw in other regional powers, complicating an already volatile situation.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Yilmaz. This situation unfolds as we speak, and it will be crucial to monitor how the Turkish government reacts in the coming days.
