ANKARA: Turkish authorities have identified the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) as “probably” responsible for a deadly attack near Ankara that claimed five lives and injured 22 others. The incident targeted the headquarters of the Turkish Defense Industries and occurred on Wednesday, with Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya indicating that the method of the attack closely aligns with PKK operations.
According to Burkina Information Agency, two attackers were involved in the incident and were killed. Interior Minister Yerlikaya stated that the identification process and search for fingerprints are ongoing to confirm the responsible terrorist organization. The attack left a toll of five dead and 22 injured.
Defense Minister Yasar Gler emphasized the government’s commitment to pursuing the PKK, declaring that they will continue their efforts until the last terrorist is eliminated. Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, along with several government officials, visited the wounded. Among the deceased was a taxi driver
whose vehicle was commandeered by the assailants, while seven of the injured were police officers. The Justice Ministry has announced the opening of an investigation into the attack.
Private television channel NTV suggested a suicide attack, although this has not been officially confirmed. The attack involved a group of terrorists entering the defense industry’s building, with at least one reportedly detonating an explosive device. This explosion led to a prolonged exchange of gunfire lasting over an hour. Television broadcasts showed flames and smoke at the site before being halted by the Turkish radio and television regulatory body, RTrk.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack, vowing to combat all terrorist threats against Turkey. From Kazan, Russia, where he was meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Erdogan received condolences and condemnation of the attack from his Russian counterpart. The attack comes amid political discussions about negotiating a resolution to the conflict with Kurdish
fighters.
The pro-Kurdish party, Dem, noted the timing of the attack as the political class seeks dialogue solutions. Invitations for Abdullah Öcalan, PKK’s imprisoned leader, to address Parliament have been extended by Devlet Bahçeli, president of the nationalist MHP party. Selahattin Demirtas, a prominent Kurdish politician from his prison cell, criticized the attack and urged support for peaceful political initiatives.
Opposition leader Özgr Özel of the CHP visited Demirtas in prison, condemning the attack and terrorism in general. International condemnations and support poured in following the attack, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the White House, European Union officials, and several other countries expressing solidarity with Turkey.
The PKK has a history of violent confrontations with the Turkish government, including an October 2023 attack in Ankara that resulted in two deaths and injuries to police officers.