Türkiye responds with airstrikes in northern Iraq and Syria following deadly attack on defence firm

Turkey (The Uttam Hindu): Türkiye's air force has launched airstrikes in northern Iraq and Syria following a deadly attack at the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) headquarters in Ankara, where five people were killed and 22 others injured. The Turkish government has labeled the incident a terrorist attack. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and explosions during the overnight assault on TUSAS. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that both attackers were neutralized, adding that two of the injured individuals were in critical condition. Footage from local broadcasters depicted armed assailants entering the TUSAS facility, located near the capital.

Yerlikaya expressed sorrow over the casualties, stating, "Sadly, we have five martyrs and 22 wounded in the attack." He also noted that three of the injured had already been discharged from the hospital, while the remaining 19 were still receiving treatment. The Interior Minister indicated that the attackers were "highly likely" affiliated with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). He remarked, "The style of the act suggests that it is highly likely the PKK carried out the attack. Once identification is complete and more evidence is gathered, we will provide further information." In response to the attack, Turkish air forces conducted strikes against 32 PKK targets in northern Iraq and Syria, with the Defence Ministry reporting significant casualties among PKK members. An investigation into the incident has been initiated by prosecutors, as stated by the state-run Anadolu Agency. This attack follows a suicide bombing at the Turkish Interior Ministry in late 2023, which similarly prompted Türkiye to carry out numerous airstrikes against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq. Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan, who was attending a BRICS conference in Kazan alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, condemned the assault and acknowledged Putin's condolences. The attack has drawn international condemnation, with NATO, the United States, and the European Union expressing their disapproval. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reiterated the alliance's support for Türkiye in the wake of the violence. According to witnesses, employees at TUSAS were directed to shelters by authorities during the attack, and no one was allowed to leave the premises for several hours. Some reported hearing explosions at various exits as workers were preparing to leave for the day.

TUSAS is Türkiye's largest aerospace manufacturer, involved in producing training aircraft, combat and civilian helicopters, and developing the nation’s first indigenous fighter jet, KAAN. Owned by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation and the government, the company employs over 10,000 people, making it a significant player in the country’s defense and aerospace sectors.