A powerful explosion occurred at the headquarters of the Turkish aerospace company Tusas, located about 50 kilometers from Ankara. Turkey’s official Anadolu Agency said there were reports of gunshots in the surrounding area after the explosion. Later, the Turkish Interior Minister confirmed that it was a “terrorist attack” directed against the headquarters of the Turkish Aerospace Industry, and announced that there were victims and injuries.
As reported by CNN Turk, at least two people lost their lives in the attack. At the same time, the NTV broadcaster announced that a firefight was underway and that there were hostages involved. The situation on site still seems to be very confusing, but the Turkish broadcaster Haberturk has released a photograph of an armed man, referred to as a “terrorist”, entering the buildings of the Turkish Aerospace Industry headquarters. The image, published by Haberturk, appears to come from security camera recordings inside the building and shows the suspect armed with what appears to be a submachine gun.
The circumstances that led to the explosion and shooting are still unclear. Some media have suggested that it may have been a suicide attack, but this information has not yet been verified. Meanwhile, Anadolu Agency reported that emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene. The images released by the NTV broadcaster show a column of smoke rising in front of the entrance to the Tusas plant, a testimony to the extent of the attack. The situation is evolving, with Turkish authorities continuing to monitor and manage the emergency.
Eight Leonardo technicians are also in the plant area, who are in good condition and safe, according to sources informed to ANSA. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said during the program “No place is far away” on Radio24: “There are no Italians among the victims. A small group of technicians should be safe in a room separate from the area of the shooting. Continues
In a note, Leonardo confirmed that “the eight technicians, now safe, are involved in industrial collaboration activities linked to aeronautical programs that have been ongoing for years with Turkey.” According to what was reported by Repubblica, the Italians are currently under protection of the Turkish authorities and cannot communicate directly with Italy
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