According to the reports on Wednesday (23 October), a terrorist attack at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) near Ankara resulted in the deaths of five people and injuries to over 22. Two attackers, a man and a woman, armed with assault rifles, entered the TUSAS building and killed multiple individuals, including employees, special forces members, and a taxi driver whose vehicle they later used. Turkish authorities believe the attackers were likely linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), although no group has claimed responsibility. Security forces killed both attackers.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya condemned the attack and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting terrorism. President Tayyip Erdogan, attending the BRICS conference in Russia, also condemned the assault and praised the quick response of security forces. The attack has further intensified tensions between Turkey and the PKK, a group that has conflicted with the government since the 1980s over Kurdish rights.
In response to the attack, Turkish airstrikes targeted PKK positions in northern Syria and Iraq, killing 32 PKK members. The Turkish government has vowed to continue its military operations against the group. Meanwhile, Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party and an ally of Erdogan, suggested the possibility of releasing imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan if he disbands the organization and renounces the ongoing rebellion.
Turkish authorities imposed a media blackout to prevent the spread of images and information related to the incident. Citizens were urged not to share any pictures of the attack, as officials stated that doing so would serve the purposes of terrorism. Despite this, the attack has drawn significant attention and raised concerns about escalating violence between Turkish forces and the PKK.
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