Turkey terror attack: Explosion and gunfire heard in Turkish capital - At least 3 dead and hostages taken

WATCH: Mark White walks viewers through footage from the attack

GB NEWS
James Saunders

By James Saunders


Published: 23/10/2024

- 15:16

Updated: 23/10/2024

- 21:14

Turkish officials have vowed unity against terrorism as they warned 'we have martyrs'

Multiple people have died and "hostages" have been taken after a "terrorist attack" rocked an aerospace facility in Turkey's capital Ankara this afternoon.

Footage of the attack, at the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (Tusas), appears to show armed men and an explosion at the site, while local media reports have claimed a suicide attack had been carried out.


One local outlet, Private NTV television, said a group of assailants arrived at an entry to the complex in a taxi while security personnel were changing shifts.

At least one of the assailants detonated a bomb, while other attackers managed to enter the complex, according to the broadcaster.

Collage of images from Ankara terror attackMultiple people have died and "hostages" have been taken after a "terrorist attack" in AnkaraREUTERS/X
Explosion at Tusas facilityFootage of the attack, at the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (Tusas), appears to show armed men and an explosion at the siteX
Armed men at Tusas HQ

Armed men were caught on security camera footage mid-attack

REUTERS

Gunman at Tusas HQ

CCTV shows an attacker firing a gun inside the building

REUTERS

Three people were killed and five others wounded in the attack, the mayor of Kahramankazan province, Selim Cirpanoglu, told Turkish TV channel Tele1.

The country's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan then upgraded these figures to four dead and 14 injured later on Wednesday.

Responding to the incident, Turkey's interior minister Ali Yerlikaya also said: "A terrorist attack was carried out against the Tusas facilities in Kahramankazan, Ankara.

"Unfortunately, we have martyrs and injured people."

Minutes later, Ekrem Imamoglu - the mayor of Turkey's largest city Istanbul - said: "I wish God's mercy upon our martyrs and a speedy recovery for our wounded.

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Crowds and emergency services in Ankara

Large numbers of emergency vehicles and personnel were seen outside Tusas

REUTERS

Smoke rises outside Tusas HQ

Smoke could be seen rising outside the facility as emergency services gathered at the scene

GETTY

"Our greatest wish is for the hostages to be rescued safely. Our security forces will overcome the terrorist attack. We are united against terrorism."

Yerkaya later said that three people had died and as many as 14 had been injured.

Further footage from near Tusas showed crowds and emergency services gathering at the scene - which followed images showing a damaged gate and a nearby clash in a car park.

The facility is located some 17 miles to the north west of Ankara - while the firm headquartered there produces Kaan, the Turkish air force's "fifth-generation" fighter jet, in conjunction with Britain's BAE Systems.

Tusas Kaan

Tusas produces Kaan, the Turkish air force's "fifth-generation" fighter jet

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Mark Rutte

Nato secretary general Mark Rutte wrote on social media: "Deeply concerning reports of dead and wounded in Ankara. Nato stands with our ally Turkey"

REUTERS

Nato, which Turkey's military industry plays a key role in protecting, said it would stand with its ally.

The alliance's secretary general Mark Rutte wrote on social media: "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."

And Russian president Vladimir Putin - who was in talks with Turkish counterpart Erdogan on Wednesday afternoon - also expressed his condolences following the attack.

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