ANKARA — Two terrorists who attacked the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) facilities in Ankara have been "neutralized," following a violent incident that resulted in four fatalities and 14 injuries, as confirmed by the country’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya on Wednesday evening.
During a statement regarding the attack on the TAI Kahramankazan facilities, Yerlikaya reported, “In the terrorist attack, two terrorists have been neutralized. Unfortunately, we have four martyrs, and there are 14 injured, three of whom are severely wounded.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack, referring to it as a "heinous attack" on TAI. He expressed his condolences for the victims, stating, "We have four martyrs and 14 injured."
Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz also denounced the attack, asserting, “This heinous act targets Türkiye’s successes in the defense industry.”
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s resolve to combat terrorism, stating, “We will continue fighting resolutely against all terrorist elements, both inside and outside the country, and the powers that support them.” He added that Türkiye would bolster its national defense capabilities and not allow those targeting the nation to achieve their ambitions.
Following the attack, the President of Türkiye’s Defense Industry Agency, Haluk Gorgun, and his delegation, along with the general manager of TAI, departed the SAHA EXPO in Istanbul for Ankara.
The Justice Minister announced that an investigation has been launched by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into the attack, with one chief prosecutor and eight public prosecutors assigned to the case. Türkiye's Center for Combating Disinformation urged the public to be vigilant and rely on official sources to avoid "unfounded" allegations.
An explosion and gunshots were reported at the TAI facilities in the Kahramankazan district, prompting security forces, firefighters, and paramedics to respond swiftly to the scene. Personnel at the defense firm were directed to shelters for safety reasons.
Security forces, fire department, health teams, and the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) were dispatched to the scene as the situation developed. The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated an investigation into the terrorist attack targeting the facility. — Agencies