Serbia, UK condemn terror attack in Türkiye, offer condolences

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Serbia and the UK issued statements Wednesday condemning a terrorist attack in Türkiye targeting the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) that killed five people and injured 22.

"I am extremely concerned about the news of the terrorist attack in Ankara," Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic wrote on X. "Serbia condemns all forms of terrorism and stands in solidarity with Türkiye and its people during these difficult times."

"I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a swift recovery to the injured," he added.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is "appalled by the terrorist attack in Ankara."

"We stand shoulder to shoulder with Türkiye as a NATO ally and close friend," Starmer wrote on X. "Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and all those affected."

An explosion and gunshots were heard Wednesday at TAI's facilities in Ankara's Kahramankazan district.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said it is "highly likely" that the PKK terror group is responsible, adding Türkiye will share the identifications and other evidence as they become clear.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the “heinous attack" that targeted the country’s “survival, peace and defense initiatives.”

“The terrorist attack against TAI, one of the locomotive organizations of the Turkish defense industry, is a despicable attack targeting the survival of our country, the peace of our nation and our defense initiatives that are the symbol of our ideal of ‘Fully Independent Türkiye’,” Erdogan wrote on X. “From the first moment of the terrorist attack, our security forces quickly intervened and neutralized the terrorists.”

Security forces, firefighters and paramedics were dispatched to the area, while TAI's personnel were directed to shelters for security reasons.

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation.