UPDATE 3 - African nations condemn 'cowardly' terror attack on defense industry facility in Türkiye

UPDATES WITH COMMENTS FROM ETHIOPIAN GOVERNMENT; REVISES DECK, LEDE

By Oumar Sankare, Mohamed Dhaysane and Sadik Kedir Abdu

BAMAKO, Mali / GURIEL, Somalia / ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) - Ethiopia on Thursday joined Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia to condemn a "heinous" terrorist attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) headquarters in Ankara which left five people dead and 22 others injured.

Extending condolences to the families of the victims as well as the Turkish government, a spokesman of the Ethiopian government said it "strongly condemns" the terrorist attack and "stands" with Ankara in its fight against terrorism.

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

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said five people were killed and 22 others were injured in the attack, while two terrorists who attacked the facilities were “neutralized.”

Earlier, Burkina Faso President Capt. Ibrahim Traore had expressed sympathy and solidarity with the Turkish people and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"I strongly condemn this cowardly and barbaric act which aims to undermine our common efforts in the fight against terrorism," he said.

Traore said: "Alongside our allies and all those who campaign for the advent of true peace in the world, let us remain committed and determined."

The Democratic Republic of Congo's Foreign Ministry condemned in the "strongest terms" the terrorist attack.

“The DRC reaffirms its solidarity with Türkiye and its resolute commitment to the fight against terrorism in all its forms,” the ministry said.

- ‘Total solidarity’

Mali’s transitional government President Col. Assimi Goita, also condemned the attack.

"We strongly condemn the terrorist attack on the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara," Goita said in a statement.

Expressing "total solidarity" with Türkiye, a "strategic partner of Mali in terms of defense," he said his thoughts were with the families of the victims.

Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye described the attack as "cowardly."

"I strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Türkiye. It is a cowardly and barbaric act. On behalf of the Senegalese people, I express our compassion and solidarity to (Turkish) President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan, the families of the victims and the friendly Turkish people," said Faye.

"Peace to the souls of the departed and a speedy recovery to the injured."

Somalia was quick to condemn the incident on Wednesday, calling it a "heinous" terror attack.

"This cowardly act is not just an attack on Türkiye, but a threat to global peace and security. Somalia, having faced similar challenges, empathizes with Türkiye," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

- Call for strengthened cooperation against terrorism

Somalia commends the swift response of the security forces and is confident that those responsible will be brought to justice, it said.

Mogadishu offered its condolences to the families affected and said it stands in solidarity with the people and government of Türkiye.

"Somalia remains committed to standing with Türkiye and the international community in the fight against terrorism, with a partnership grounded in shared values and mutual trust," it said, urging the international community "to strengthen cooperation against terrorism."

"Together, we can ensure that such acts do not weaken our resolve to protect our people and uphold peace,” it said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack.

“I condemn this heinous attack on facilities of the Turkish Aerospace Industries,” he said.

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

*James Tasamba in Rwanda contributed to this story, with writing by Riyaz ul Khaliq and Hassan Isilow