The Turkish air force launched strikes on Kurdish militant targets in Iraq and Syria in response to an attack by suspected Kurdish militants at the aerospace and defence company TUSAS. The attack resulted in the death of five individuals and more than 20 others being wounded. The defence ministry reported that over 30 targets were destroyed in the aerial offensive, with precautions taken to avoid harming civilians. The attack at TUSAS was carried out by two militants, who were killed in the incident. Turkish officials believe the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) was responsible for the attack and have vowed to eliminate all terrorists.
Turkey has been conducting airstrikes against the PKK and Kurdish militia groups in Iraq and Syria. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the “heinous terrorist attack,” emphasizing the importance of combating terrorism. TUSAS, the targeted defense company, plays a crucial role in designing and assembling military aircraft, UAVs, and other defense systems, which have been utilized in Turkey’s efforts against Kurdish militants. The attack occurred shortly after discussions around the possibility of dialogues to end the conflict with the PKK, which has been ongoing since the 1980s.
The attack at TUSAS saw victims, including a mechanical engineer who had gone to collect flowers at the entrance, and a taxi driver, whose body was found in the trunk of the vehicle. Security camera footage showed one of the attackers carrying an assault rifle. Security forces quickly responded to the incident, with multiple gunshots being heard once they entered the site. The government imposed a temporary blackout on the attack’s coverage and restricted access to social media platforms. Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz stated that the attack targeted Turkey’s success in the defense industry.
Various entities and leaders, including the Iraqi Embassy, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, expressed their solidarity with Turkey and condemned the attack. The international community, including Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, extended their condolences to the victims’ families. The attack underscores the ongoing conflict between Turkey and Kurdish militants, as well as the complex political dynamics in the region. The Turkish government remains committed to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
