UPDATE 2 - Leaders worldwide condemn terror attack on defense industry facility in Türkiye

UPDATES WITH STATEMENTS FROM AUSTRIA, CANADA, SWITZERLAND, FORMER MI6 CHIEF

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) — Leaders from around the world on Wednesday condemned a terrorist attack targeting a defense industry facility in Türkiye's capital Ankara, causing the deaths of four people and injuring 14 others.

Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack on the facilities of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). “I condemn this heinous attack on facilities of The Turkish Aerospace Industries. We have 4 martyrs, 14 injured,” he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also condemned the attack on the sidelines of a BRICS group summit Erdogan was attending as a guest.

“Dear Mr. President, dear colleagues, we are very glad to welcome you to Kazan. But before we start work, I would like to express my condolences in connection with the terrorist attack. Media reports are coming in about the terrorist attack in Türkiye,” Putin said.

He added that Moscow condemns any manifestations of terrorism.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also condemned the attack, stating: “We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and are monitoring developments closely.”

NATO stand with its allied nation Türkiye, he added.

Azerbaijan also condemned the attack, adding that Baku would always be on the side "of its brother, Türkiye."

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof also conveyed his condolences to Erdogan, saying that the Netherlands "condemns all forms of terrorism. We sympathize with Türkiye and are closely monitoring the situation."

Calling the terrorist attack "horrific," Germany also condemned "all forms of terrorism in the strongest possible terms.

"Our solidarity goes out to our Turkish friends."

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer “strongly” condemned the attack, saying: “Terrorism and violence have no place in our society.”

Canada’s Embassy in Türkiye released a similar statement of strong condemnation, adding that Ottowa stands with Türkiye, “our friend and ally, at this difficult time.”

Calling the attack “despicable, the chief of British intelligence service MI6 also condemned the attack.

“I extend my condolences to the families of the martyrs and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” Richard Moore said on X.

The president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, condemned the attack as well, offering his condolences.

The US Embassy in Türkiye was also issued a statement of condemnation.

"The United States strongly condemns today's terrorist attack, and extends condolences to the families of those lost and injured. We stand with our ally Türkiye," it said.

Switzerland's embassy in Türkiye condemned the attack "in the strongest terms," conveying its condolences to the Turkish people.