Terrorist attack causes casualties, Ankara immediately counterattacks, NATO shows solidarity

A deadly attack occurred at the headquarters of the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) near the capital Ankara on October 23.

Smoke rises from the scene of the TUSAS attack in Türkiye on October 23. (Source: Reuters)

According to the Anadolu news agency, a large explosion occurred at the scene, followed by a gunfight. TUSAS is one of Turkey's leading defense and aerospace companies. The company manufactures the KAAN – Turkey's first fighter jet – among other important projects.

On social media platform X, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya described the attack as a terrorist assault targeting TUSAS facilities in Kahramankazan, Ankara. Yerlikaya confirmed that the two attackers, a man and a woman, were killed and that authorities are working to identify them.

Approximately five people were killed and 22 injured in the attack, three of whom are in critical condition.

Television footage showed a damaged gate and a nearby scuffle in the parking lot. Emergency response teams quickly arrived at the scene.

Meanwhile, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler declared that the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) – an organization considered terrorist and banned – was behind the incident, emphasizing that Ankara “will not stop its crackdown until the last terrorist is eliminated.”

Following the incident, the Turkish Ministry of Defense confirmed that its military had conducted a retaliatory airstrike targeting more than 30 targets in northern Iraq and Syria. The ministry's statement also confirmed that all targets were destroyed and that the operation was ongoing, but did not release further details.

On the same day, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), along with leaders from many countries including Russia, Germany, France, and Iran, strongly condemned the attack and offered their deepest condolences to the government and people of Turkey.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte declared on October 23 that the military alliance would stand alongside its ally Turkey and said it was "closely monitoring developments."

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