Several people dead and injured after terror attack at Ankara aviation firm

23 October 2024, 15:21 | Updated: 23 October 2024, 17:08

Several people have been killed and others injured after armed personnel attacked a Turkish aviation firm near Ankara.

At least four people died and 14 were left injured following the incident on Wednesday, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

It is not clear who is behind the attack. Kurdish militants, the so-called Islamic State group and leftist extremists have carried out attacks in the country in the past.

NTV television said a group of assailants arrived at an entry to the complex in a taxi during a changing of security guards.

Security camera images from the attack, aired on television, showed some of the suspected attackers.

A man was seen in plain clothes, wearing a backpack and carrying an assault rifle.

At least one woman, also carrying an assault rifle, was among the assailants, according to the images.

At least one of the assailants detonated a bomb while others managed to enter the complex.

Two were neutralised while another remains at large, Turkey's interior minister said.

NTV said gunfire at the site was continuing and some personnel may have been taken hostage.

Helicopters were flying above the premises in the Kahramankazan district, the station reported.

Mayor of Ankara Mansur Yavas said in a statement: "I am deeply saddened by the conflict and terrorist attack that occurred at the TAI facility in Ankara. 

"I wish God's mercy upon our martyrs and a speedy recovery to our wounded. We condemn terrorism."

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TUSAS designs, manufactures and assembles civilian and military aircrafts, unmanned aerial vehicles and other defence industry and space systems.

Earlier, media reports said an explosion followed by gunfire was heard at the complex.

Security forces, ambulances and firefighters were dispatched to the site, NTV reported.

Employees at the company were taken to a safe area, HaberTurk television added.