Turkey Launches Airstrikes Against Kurdish Militants Following Deadly Attack Near Ankara

In a swift response to a deadly assault on a defense firm near Ankara, Turkey has launched airstrikes against Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria on Wednesday. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of five people and left 22 others wounded, has been attributed by the government to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group that has been engaged in a long-standing insurgency against the Turkish state.

The offensive commenced shortly after a significant explosion occurred at the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) headquarters, located approximately 40 kilometers north of Ankara. Eyewitness accounts reported clouds of smoke billowing from the site as gunfire erupted. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya described the incident as a “terror attack,” while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned it as a “heinous” act targeting Turkey’s defense industry and the country’s survival.

According to Yerlikaya, the two attackers—a woman and a man—were “neutralized” during the incident, and three of the injured remain in critical condition. Although there was no immediate claim of responsibility, authorities suggested strong ties to the PKK, a group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey and several Western countries.

The Turkish Defense Ministry confirmed that air operations targeting PKK positions in northern Iraq and Syria successfully destroyed 32 terrorist sites, with operations ongoing. The PKK, which has maintained rear bases in Kurdish regions spanning Iraq and Syria, has been engaged in armed conflict with the Turkish state since 1984, resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of lives.

World leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, extended condolences to Erdogan and condemned the attack, which drew outrage both domestically and internationally. The incident has raised questions about the ongoing dialogue surrounding a potential political resolution to the decades-long conflict with Kurdish militants. The pro-Kurdish party, Dem, highlighted the timing of the attack as significant, occurring amid discussions on possible dialogue and solutions.

As the situation continues to develop, Turkish authorities have imposed a media blackout on live reports from the scene, while rescue operations remain underway at the attacked site. With TAI being a major player in Turkey’s defense sector, employing over 15,500 workers, the ramifications of this attack are likely to be profound, affecting both national security policy and the broader political landscape.