An attack with explosives against the Turkish public aerospace company leaves several dead and injured in Ankara

A large explosion in front of the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), near Ankara, has left several “dead and injured.” «A terrorist attack has been perpetrated against the Turkish Aerospace Industries. Unfortunately, we have martyrs and wounded,” said Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.

in the area An explosion was reported and shots were also heard.reports the official Anatolia news agency. Security forces, firefighters and emergency medical personnel have traveled to the scene to treat the victims.

Yerlikaya has urged the population to inform themselves through official channels. Images from the scene released by local media initially showed huge clouds of smoke and a large fire at the scene, in Kahramankazan, a small town located about 40 kilometers north of Ankara.

Haberturk TV reported that there was a “hostage situation” in progress, without giving further details, while private television NTV reported gunshots after the explosion, which took place around 4:00 p.m. local time.

The cause of the explosion and the subsequent shots remains unclear. Local media have reported that it was a “suicidal” attack.

The explosion occurred while a meeting was being held in Istanbul. important trade fair for defense industries and aerospace, which this week received a visit from Ukraine’s top diplomat.

The Turkish defense sector, known for its drones Bayraktarrepresents almost 80% of the country’s export income and is expected to reach $10.2 billion in 2023.