A key pillar of Turkey’s defense industry was struck by a deadly attack on Wednesday afternoon.
The assault targeted the state-owned Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), leaving at least five dead and 22 injured. The incident occurred just a day after a prominent Turkish nationalist leader hinted at the possibility of renewed peace talks with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
The PKK, classified as a “terrorist” organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has waged a 40-year insurgency against the Turkish state. Many experts believe that the timing of Wednesday’s attack signals that the PKK may not be ready to lay down arms.
What happened?
Around 4 p.m. local time (13:00 GMT) on Wednesday, gunfire and explosions were reported at TUSAS headquarters in Kahramankazan, near Ankara.
Initial footage aired by local media displayed massive plumes of smoke and a large fire, as emergency services rushed to the scene. Turkey’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, confirmed the attack on social media, describing it as a “terrorist act.”
Security footage shows three individuals arriving at the facility in a yellow taxi, with one attacker opening fire as they infiltrated the building. Witnesses reported multiple explosions at different exits as employees were leaving for the day. Some experts now suggest the attack was carefully planned, with local media hinting it may have been a suicide attack.
Where did it happen?
The attack took place at TUSAS’s headquarters in Kahramankazan, a northern district of Ankara.
Who was behind it?
Security footage broadcast on television showed two attackers—one male and one female—armed with assault rifles. Minister Yerlikaya confirmed that one of the attackers was a woman.
Turkey’s National Defense Minister Yasar Guler pointed to the PKK as the likely culprit, though no group has claimed responsibility yet. Additionally, Turkey’s far-left Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) is also being investigated as a possible suspect.
The PKK has carried out numerous attacks since the breakdown of a peace process with Turkey in 2015, though major city attacks have decreased significantly since 2017.
On Tuesday, Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party and an ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, suggested that jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan could address the Turkish parliament if he agrees to disband his organization. However, some believe Wednesday’s attack could be a PKK message rejecting reconciliation efforts.
“This attack is a symbolic warning that Turkey’s defense industry, especially its drone program, is vulnerable,” explained Omer Ozkizilcik, a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs.
Who were the victims?
Five people were confirmed dead, including Cengiz Coskun, a quality control officer, mechanical engineer Zahide Guclu, employee Hasan Huseyin Canbaz, security guard Atakan Sahin Erdogan, and taxi driver Murat Arslan. Guclu was reportedly on her way to collect flowers from her husband when the attack occurred. Arslan was killed after the attackers hijacked his taxi and hid his body in the trunk.
Is the area secure now?
Yerlikaya announced that both attackers had been “neutralized.” Special forces and drones were deployed to secure the premises.
What’s the latest on the ground?
Approximately 7,500 employees were on-site during the attack. Authorities have cordoned off the area, and Turkey’s public prosecutor has launched an investigation.
What is TUSAS?
Founded in 1973, TUSAS is a key player in Turkey’s defense sector, developing fighter jets, drones, satellites, and helicopters for both civilian and military use. The company is owned by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation and the government, employing roughly 15,000 people. Its drones play a crucial role in Turkey’s counterterrorism efforts in Syria and Iraq.
What has the response been?
President Erdogan, attending the BRICS summit in Russia, called the attack a “heinous terrorist act.” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and the European Union condemned the assault, while Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences. The U.S. National Security Council also strongly condemned the attack and extended sympathies to Turkey.
The incident has left Turkey on high alert as the country grapples with heightened security concerns in the wake of the assault.
