Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made an early departure from the BRICS summit after a terrorist attack struck near Ankara. He bid farewell to Russian President Vladimir Putin before leaving the meeting, which was being held in Kazan, Russia.
The attack targeted the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), claiming the lives of at least five people and wounding 22 others, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Assailants reportedly set off explosives and opened fire near the facility, located outside the Turkish capital.
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“I condemn this heinous terrorist attack and extend my condolences to our martyrs,” President Erdogan said during his meeting with Putin, before returning to Ankara to manage the aftermath of the incident.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. While no group has claimed responsibility, past attacks in Turkey have been carried out by Kurdish militants, Islamic State extremists, and leftist groups. The Turkish government indicated that the assailants were “most likely” affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a militant organization involved in an ongoing conflict with Turkish forces.
Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, with footage aired by state-run Anadolu Agency showing a damaged gate and a firefight in a nearby parking lot. Security camera footage revealed one attacker carrying a backpack and wielding an assault rifle.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed solidarity with Turkey, posting on social media platform X: “Deeply concerning reports of dead and wounded in Ankara. #NATO stands with our Ally #Turkey. We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and are monitoring developments closely.”
The White House also condemned the attack, with National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stating, “We strongly denounce this violent act,” adding that the U.S. would continue to monitor the situation.
Turkey remains on high alert as authorities investigate the attack and reinforce security in the wake of the deadly violence.
