Turkish authorities suspect that terrorist attack in Ankara most likely perpetrated by members of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), banned terrorist organization in Turkey, according to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
Explosion occurred on Wednesday in Kahramankazan district of Ankara, near building of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), a manufacturer of military aircraft and space equipment, followed by gunfire. Two attackers neutralized by law enforcement agencies. The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into terrorist attack. Five people killed, and 22 injured.
“Process of identifying terrorists is ongoing. Based on our assessment attack carried out by PKK. Once we obtain concrete evidence, we will share it with public,” minister told journalists.
Sabah newspaper notes that militants killed a taxi driver, whose vehicle they used to reach attack site.
TUSAŞ involved in development of Turkish fifth-generation fighter jet, Kaan and Anka unmanned combat aerial vehicles, and modernization of F-16 fighter jets. In addition to production center, area is also home to USET Space Systems Integration and Test Center.
The armed conflict with the PKK began in Turkey in 1984 and resumed in 2015. PKK has bases in northern Iraq which are targeted by Turkish military air and ground operations.
Presence of Turkish troops at Zlikan camp northeast of Mosul has been a point of contention between Baghdad and Ankara, with latter justifying their deployment as necessary to combat PKK.
