Four people were killed in attack on the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) headquarters near Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday.
“I condemn this heinous terror attack,” Erdogan said, on the sidelines of a BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said two assailants were killed in what he described as a “terrorist attack.”
What do we know so far?
Attackers set off explosives and opened fire according to authorities.
Footage from the scene bshowed large clouds of black smoke and a large fire raging at the site in Kahramankazan, a small town some 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the capital Ankara.
Turkish private NTV television said a group of assailants, carrying assault weapons, arrived at an entry to the complex inside a taxi.
They detonated an explosive device next to the taxi before entering the complex.
“Two terrorists were neutralized in the terror attack on the TUSAS Ankara Kahramankazan site,” Yerlikaya said.
TUSAS is a developer and producer of aerospace systems, such as combat aircraft and drones. The company website says that it is a licensed manufacturer for the US-designed F-16 fighter jets.
‘Terrorist’ attack condemned
Several officials worldwide condemned the attack later on Wednesday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences to Erdogan while the pair met at the BRICS summit.
“We are very pleased to welcome you to Kazan, but before we begin our work I would like to express my condolences in connection with the terror attack,” Putin said.
Germany also condemned what it said was a “horrific terrorist attack.” A foreign ministry spokeswoman described it as “deeply shocking.”
NATO chief Mark Rutte offered member-state Turkey the alliance’s backing. In a call with Erdogan, Rutte stressed that “NATO stands with Turkey.”
rmt, rm/lo (Reuters, AP, dpa, AFP)
