Turkey terror attack: Explosion and gunfire heard in Turkish capital – At least 3 dead and hostages taken

Multiple people have died and “hostages” have been taken after a “terrorist attack” rocked an aerospace facility in Turkey’s capital Ankara this afternoon.

Footage of the attack, at the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (Tusas), appears to show armed men and an explosion at the site, while local media reports have claimed a suicide attack had been carried out.

One local outlet, Private NTV television, said a group of assailants arrived at an entry to the complex in a taxi while security personnel were changing shifts.

At least one of the assailants detonated a bomb, while other attackers managed to enter the complex, according to the broadcaster.

Three people were killed and five others wounded in the attack, the mayor of Kahramankazan province, Selim Cirpanoglu, told Turkish TV channel Tele1.

The country’s interior minister Ali Yerlikaya, reacting to the news, said: “A terrorist attack was carried out against the Tusas facilities in Kahramankazan, Ankara.

“Unfortunately, we have martyrs and injured people.”

Minutes later, Ekrem Imamoglu – the mayor of Turkey’s largest city Istanbul – said: “I wish God’s mercy upon our martyrs and a speedy recovery for our wounded.

MORE LIKE THIS:

Israel confirms IDF killed Hamas terror group leader Yahya SinwarYvette Cooper set to make decision on giving Middle East ‘terror chief’ citizenship in the UKAfghan migrant ‘plotting US election day terror attack’ arrested by FBI

“Our greatest wish is for the hostages to be rescued safely. Our security forces will overcome the terrorist attack. We are united against terrorism.”

Yerkaya later said that three people had died and as many as 14 had been injured.

Further footage from near Tusas showed crowds and emergency services gathering at the scene – which followed images showing a damaged gate and a nearby clash in a car park.

The facility is located some 17 miles (28km) to the north west of Ankara – while the firm headquartered there produces Kaan, the Turkish air force’s “fifth-generation” fighter jet, in conjunction with Britain’s BAE Systems.

And Nato – in which Turkey’s military industry plays a key role – said it would stand with its ally.

The alliance’s secretary general Mark Rutte wrote on social media: “Deeply concerning reports of dead and wounded in Ankara. Nato stands with our ally Turkey.

“We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and are monitoring developments closely.”

More to follow…