Turkey Terror Attack| Erdogan Leaves BRICS Summit Early Following Ankara Terror Attack - WATCH Video

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan left the BRICS summit early following a terrorist attack in Ankara that has shocked the nation.

The incident, which occurred earlier in the day, raised urgent security concerns and compelled Erdogan to prioritise the safety and security of his country over his international engagements.

Photo Credit: PTI

As he departed the summit, Erdogan exchanged a warm farewell with Russian President Vladimir Putin, acknowledging the significance of their ongoing diplomatic relations amid escalating tensions in the region.

Attack on Turkish Aviation Company Leaves Five Dead, 22 Injured

At least five people have lost their lives and 22 others have been injured following an attack at the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), located approximately 40 km (25 miles) from the capital, Ankara. The incident, which occurred during a shift change, involved gunfire at the entrance of the facility and has been attributed to a potential connection with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group designated as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States, and the United Kingdom, as reported by BBC.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that two assailants, a man and a woman, have been "neutralised" following the attack. Among the deceased, four were employees of TAI, while the fifth victim was a taxi driver. Reports suggest that the attackers killed the cab driver and used his vehicle to carry out the assault.

Eyewitness videos show the attackers firing weapons at the entrance of the facility, prompting security protocols that directed staff to seek shelter. Among the injured, seven are members of the special operations forces, highlighting the severity of the situation.

In response to the attack, Turkey's Defence Ministry announced air strikes targeting PKK positions in northern Iraq and Syria. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was attending the BRICS summit in Russia at the time, condemned the "vile terror attack" during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), he praised the swift actions of security forces in neutralising the threat and asserted that "no terrorist organisation, no evil focus targeting our security will be able to achieve their goals."

In light of the attack, Turkish authorities have imposed a media blackout, restricting coverage of the incident. Many users across the country reported difficulties accessing social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. The head of Turkey's Radio and TV Supreme Council, Ebubekir Sahin, urged users to refrain from sharing images related to the attack, warning that they could serve the purposes of terrorism, as per BBC reports.

TAI plays a crucial role in Turkey's aerospace sector, involved in the design, development, and manufacturing of various aircraft for both commercial and military applications. The company is also designated as the licensed manufacturer of the U.S.-designed F-16 fighter jets and is tasked with modernising older military aircraft for Turkey's armed forces.

The attack occurred amidst a major trade fair for the defence and aerospace industries taking place in Istanbul, drawing attention to the vulnerabilities within key sectors of Turkey's national security infrastructure, as per media reports. As investigations continue, the nation remains on high alert, grappling with the implications of this tragic event.