An explosion has rocked Turkey, with reports suggesting a suicide bombing had occurred at a major aerospace facility.
Reports on social media said gunfire was also heard and was ongoing at the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) in Turkey’s capital, Ankara. At the same time, the government confirmed people had died in the attack.
Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said: “There has been a terrorist attack on the Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TUSAŞ) Ankara Kahramankazan facilities. Unfortunately, there are martyrs and wounded following the attack.
“I wish God’s mercy upon our martyrs and a speedy recovery to our wounded. The public will be informed of developments. Please take into consideration the statements to be made by official sources.”
Security forces had been dispatched to the area, and employees had been directed towards shelters following the blast.
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Yerlikaya later confirmed on X: “Two terrorists were neutralized in the terrorist attack targeting the Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TUSAŞ) Ankara Kahramankazan facilities.
“Unfortunately, we have three martyrs and 14 injured in the attack. May God have mercy on our martyrs, and I wish our wounded a speedy recovery. I condemn this heinous attack. Our struggle will continue with determination and resolve until the last terrorist is neutralized.”
Local media suggested that hostages had been taken and as many as ten people had been killed, though this has not been confirmed. It later emerged that at least four people had been killed in addition to two “terrorist” gunmen.
In footage posted on social media, a series of bangs can be heard, apparently captured by a bystander.
The video then showed an explosion erupting and setting off car alarms as terrified pedestrians remained behind parked vehicles at a distance from the facility. A man who appears to be holding a gun runs across the parking lot following the explosion.
According to reports from local media, at least one attacker detonated a bomb, while others entered the complex, home to one of Turkey’s most important defence and aerospace companies.
A group of assailants reportedly arrived at the entrance in a taxi during a shift change.
Footage also showed a man carrying a backpack entering the complex. It is believed that one of the attackers set off a bomb before gunfire erupted.
The facility is home to TUSAS, a leading defence company known for producing Turkey’s first national combat aircraft, the KAAN, along with various military and civilian aerospace projects.
Security forces, ambulances, and firefighters were quickly dispatched to the scene as officials sought to secure the area.
Speaking to Turkish television, a local mayor revealed that the attack had killed at least three people and left five others injured.
However, the exact number of casualties remains unclear, and further details about the identity of the attackers have yet to be released.
Kurdish militants, Islamic State, and leftist extremists have all previously carried out attacks in the country, but no group has claimed responsibility so far.
The Turkish government is still investigating the full extent of the attack, while Interior Minister Yerlikaya has vowed to update the public with more information as the situation unfolds.
Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan condemned the attack, saying: “We will not bow down to terrorism. Those responsible for this heinous act will be brought to justice swiftly.”
Local authorities are urging people to avoid the area.