Turkey launches airstrikes on Kurdish terrorist targets in Iraq and Syria in response to deadly attack on defense company.
ANKARA, Turkey—Turkey’s air force launched airstrikes on Kurdish terrorist targets in Iraq and Syria on Wednesday in response to an attack at a state-run defense company that resulted in the deaths of five people and injuries to more than 20 others.
The defense ministry reported that over 30 targets were “destroyed” during the aerial offensive, but did not specify the locations hit. Precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties.
The airstrikes followed an incident at the aerospace and defense company TUSAS, where suspected Kurdish terrorists detonated explosives and opened fire. The two attackers, a man and a woman, were killed, while at least 22 individuals, including seven security personnel, were wounded.
Guler stated, “We consistently punish these PKK criminals as warranted. However, they persist in their actions. We will continue our efforts until every terrorist is eliminated.”
Turkey routinely conducts airstrikes against the PKK, which operates in Iraq, and against a Kurdish militia group in Syria connected to the terrorists.
No immediate response was received from the PKK.
Additionally, ISIS and leftist extremists have carried out previous attacks in Turkey.
During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the terrorist attack, which was also denounced by the U.S. Embassy.
TUSAS is responsible for designing, manufacturing, and assembling civilian and military aircraft, UAVs, and other defense systems. Its UAVs have aided Turkey in combatting Kurdish militants.
The assault occurred shortly after a leader of Turkey’s nationalist party suggested the possibility of parole for the imprisoned PKK leader if he renounces violence and dissolves the organization.
The PKK, led by Abdullah Ocalan, has been fighting for autonomy in southeastern Turkey, resulting in numerous fatalities since the 1980s. It is classified as a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies.
The pro-Kurdish political party in Turkey condemned the TUSAS attack, emphasizing that it happened amidst prospects of dialogue to end the conflict.
Reports indicated that the assailants arrived at the TUSAS complex in a taxi, detonated an explosive, and initiated gunfire. One of the victims, mechanical engineer Zahide Guclu, was killed along with the taxi driver.
The Turkish government dispatched security forces following the attack, with gunshots heard as they intervened. Access to social media was restricted and a temporary blackout on coverage was enforced.
Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz described the target of the attack as Turkey’s achievements in the defense industry.
The Iraqi Embassy in Ankara, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed solidarity with Turkey. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also offered condolences and denounced the attack.
