Armed assailants launched a deadly “terror” attack on Turkey’s state-run aerospace company near the capital Ankara on Wednesday, government officials said. At least four people were killed and 14 injured – with three in critical condition – in the “terrorist attack” on the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) headquarters in the outskirts of Ankara, said Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Two attackers – a man and a woman – were killed, he added.

“I condemn this heinous attack. Our fight will continue with determination and determination until the last terrorist is neutralized,” Yerlikaya said. “May God have mercy on our martyrs. I wish a speedy recovery to our injured.”

The attack occurred while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was in the Russian city of Kazan to attend the annual BRICS summit. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences following the attack. “You know how we feel about this. We condemn any manifestations of this kind, no matter what their motivations are,” Putin told Erdogan in his opening remarks, just hours after the Ankara attack.

The US State Department is “tracking reports” of the attack, a spokesperson told CNN.

Footage from the scene broadcast by local media initially showed huge clouds of smoke and a large fire raging at the site in Kahramankazan, a small town some 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Ankara. Media have reported a loud explosion at the site and showed footage of an exchange of gunfire there.

Security camera images from the attack, aired on television, showed a man in plainclothes carrying a backpack and holding an assault rifle. At least one woman, also carrying an assault rifle, was among the assailants, according to the images. “Having looked at the images and spoken with sources, we’re talking about three attackers,” said Al Jazeera’s Sinem Koseoglu, reporting from Ankara. “There are claims that attackers who infiltrated took some of the workers as hostage, but we don’t have further details” she said, adding that 15,000 people work at the company’s campus in Kahramankazan.

“Apparently, the attackers had shown information about the building, about the entrances,” Koseoglu continued, explaining that the attackers approached the employees’ entrance. “Many of the experts now suggest that this was a strategically planned terrorist attack.”

Investigation Launched

Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said an investigation has been launched into the attack. Following the attack, the aerospace company’s general manager, Mehmet Demiroglu, left a high-profile defense fair early to return to Ankara, state news agency Anadolu reported.

TUSAS: A Key Defense Player

The attack at TUSAS, which was incorporated into Turkey’s Ministry of Industry and Technology in 1973, has sent shockwaves through the country. TUSAS was established with the aim of reducing the “foreign dependence” of the country’s defense industry, according to its website.

TUSAS is a major defense company in Turkey, producing armed drones and fighter jets, among other projects. “This is one of the biggest, largest defense companies in the country. It’s producing armed drones and fighter jets,” Ragip Soylu, Turkey bureau chief for the news outlet Middle East Eye, told CNN.

The attack comes at a crucial time for Turkey, as it seeks to modernize its military and become a leading player in the global arms industry. Turkey’s defense sector, which is widely known for its Bayraktar drones, accounts for nearly 80 percent of the nation’s export revenues with revenues expected to top 10.2 billion dollars in 2023.

International Condemnation

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte condemned the attack, saying that “NATO stands with Turkey” and that the alliance is “monitoring developments closely.” The attack also drew condemnation from other international leaders, including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

No Group Claims Responsibility

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack that took place at a state-run company near the country’s capital. Turkey has previously experienced attacks by ISIL (ISIS) and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The attack on TUSAS underscores the complex security challenges facing Turkey, a country that is a member of NATO and has been a key ally in the fight against terrorism.

A Strategic Target

The attack on TUSAS is significant not only because of the company’s role in Turkey’s defense industry, but also because of the timing of the attack. The attack occurred during a major trade fair for the defence and aerospace industries in Istanbul, which was visited this week by Ukraine’s top diplomat. The timing of the attack suggests that the attackers may have been aiming to send a message about Turkey’s role in the global security landscape.

A Call for Unity

Turkish officials have called for unity in the face of the attack. “I condemn this vile terror attack and wish God’s mercy on our martyrs,” Erdogan said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “We have 14 wounded. I condemn this heinous terrorist attack and wish mercy on our martyrs.”

Following the attack, Turkish officials have urged the public to remain calm and to avoid spreading misinformation. The Turkish government has pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice and to continue its fight against terrorism.

The Aftermath

The attack on TUSAS has raised serious concerns about security in Turkey and the potential for further attacks. The Turkish government is facing increasing pressure to address the security threats posed by terrorist groups and to protect its vital infrastructure. The attack also highlights the complex and often challenging security landscape in the region.

Looking Forward

The attack on TUSAS is a reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism in Turkey and the region. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism. The international community must stand together to support Turkey and other countries in their efforts to combat terrorism and to build a more secure world.