Turkiye strikes Kurdish militant targets in Iraq and Syria following deadly attack on defence company
According to the defense ministry, over 30 targets were reportedly “eliminated” during the aerial attack.
Turkish military aircraft conducted airstrikes on Kurdish militant locations in Iraq and Syria on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, likely in response to an assault on a critical state-owned defense facility that resulted in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to over 20 others.
The defense ministry announced that over 30 targets were obliterated during the air strike, with no specific information given regarding the exact locations struck. It emphasized that every possible precaution was implemented to safeguard civilian lives.
Following an explosion and gunfire initiated by suspected Kurdish militants at the aerospace and defense company TUSAS, a strike ensued hours later. The Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, reported that the two assailants, identified as a male and a female, were subsequently neutralized. The violence resulted in injuries to 22 individuals, among whom were seven security officers.
Mr. Yerlikaya attributed the attack at the defense company to the militant Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), whereas Defense Minister Yasar Guler also implicated the PKK in the incident.
Guler stated that the PKK scoundrels are consistently given the appropriate punishment, yet they remain oblivious to this fact. He affirmed the determination to relentlessly track them down until every single terrorist is eradicated.
Turkey frequently carries out air raids targeting the PKK, a group with a presence in Iraq, as well as a Kurdish militia in Syria linked to the militants.
The PKK did not provide an instant response.
In Turkiye, there have been past attacks conducted by both the Islamic State group and leftist extremists.
During a gathering with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the margins of a BRICS summit in Russia, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan denounced the atrocious terrorist assault.
Ankara attack
According to reports from Turkish media, on Wednesday, the attackers reportedly approached one of the entrances to the TUSAS complex in a taxi. Armed with assault weapons, the assailants then set off an explosive device near the taxi, triggering chaos and granting them access.
Zahide Guclu, a mechanical engineer, was one of the identified victims who had gone to the entrance to pick up flowers sent by her husband, as reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency.
Reportedly, the attackers also took the life of the taxi driver, whose body was discovered in the car’s trunk.
Among the group of family members patiently gathered outside the building complex, Orhan Akdundar stood out as the brother of a TUSAS staff member, eagerly awaiting updates on their dear ones.
Mr. Akdundar recounted contacting his brother indoors to inquire about the situation. His brother informed him of a bomb blast and ongoing gunfire lasting an extended period. Amidst the chaos, various security forces including the gendarmerie and special forces arrived on the scene, accompanied by numerous ambulances. However, communication was abruptly cut off when the phones ceased to function.
A TUSAS employee, whose identity remains unknown, exclaimed, “Despite the traitors, we will increase our efforts and boost our productivity,” while being escorted out of the building along with fellow coworkers, as shown in a video broadcasted by HaberTurk.
Television broadcasted security camera footage depicting an individual in casual attire carrying a backpack and brandishing an assault rifle.
The security teams were immediately sent by the interior minister when the attack commenced at approximately 3:30 p.m.
The DHA news agency and various media outlets reported hearing several gunshots following the entry of security forces into the area. Helicopters were observed circling overhead.
Access to social media websites was restricted by authorities following the attack, who also imposed a temporary blackout on the coverage.
The objective of the assault, according to Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, was the achievement of Turkey in the field of defense technology.
The statement denouncing the assault was released by the Iraqi Embassy in Ankara, emphasizing Iraq’s steadfast stance against terrorism and extremism in any shape or form. It also conveyed Iraq’s government and people’s unified support for Turkey. Iraq had previously declared a prohibition on the PKK.
Mark Rutte, the Secretary-General of NATO, and Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, have both shown their support for Turkey.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis condemned the assault as well. He expressed his sympathy and condolences to the families of those affected, stating, “Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones.
