In a swift response to a deadly attack at a key Turkish defence firm, Turkey’s air force conducted strikes against Kurdish militant targets in Iraq and Syria. The aerial offensive, which reportedly “destroyed” more than 30 locations, follows an attack on Turkey’s state-run Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) that left five dead and over 20 injured. The defence ministry confirmed that precautions were taken to prevent civilian casualties.
Attack on Defence Firm Linked to PKK
The assault on TUSAS, involving explosives and gunfire, was carried out by two attackers, identified as a man and a woman, both of whom were killed in the incident. Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and Defence Minister Yasar Guler attributed the attack to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group involved in a long-standing insurgency against the Turkish state.
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⚡️Turkish Air Force is carrying out strikes on Kurdistan targets in Iraq and Syria —
Turkey attacked numerous Kurdistan Workers’ Party strongholds, at least 32 targets,
The strikes follow the terrorist attack earlier in Ankara.
I don’t hear the world asking Erdogan to… pic.twitter.com/xQgHvjwQp1
— shoko 007 (@SYaacobi) October 24, 2024
Retaliation Strikes
Following the attack, Turkey launched retaliatory strikes against PKK positions in Iraq and Kurdish militia in Syria, which are affiliated with the PKK. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling it a “heinous terrorist attack.”
UAVs and Defence Industry Targeted
TUSAS, known for its role in developing military and civilian aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has been instrumental in Turkey’s fight against Kurdish militants. The attackers reportedly arrived at the complex in a taxi, and security footage showed one assailant carrying an assault rifle.
Condemnation and Global Response
The attack sparked widespread condemnation, including statements from NATO, the UN, and neighbouring countries like Iraq and Greece. Iraqi officials reaffirmed their stance against terrorism, while Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz emphasized that the attack targeted Turkey’s defence industry success.
Widespread Security Response
Security teams were dispatched immediately, with helicopters seen patrolling the area. Multiple gunshots were reported as forces neutralised the attackers. The Turkish government also imposed a temporary media blackout and restricted access to social media following the attack.
International Condemnation and Political Context
The timing of the attack coincides with discussions surrounding the potential parole of PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan if he renounces violence. Ocalan has been imprisoned for leading a decades-long insurgency that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
The pro-Kurdish political party condemned the attack, noting it comes at a time when peace dialogue discussions were beginning to surface.