Turkey Neutralizes 32 Kurdish Targets in Iraq, Syria After TAI Attack

Turkey's National Defense Ministry announced the neutralization of 32 targets in northern Iraq and Syria during an air operation, escalating military action after a deadly attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in Ankara that killed five and injured 22.

This operation is part of national security measures aimed at neutralizing threats from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union. The air strikes were executed under Turkey's right to self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the UN Charter, aiming to eliminate terrorist threats against civilians and security forces while ensuring the integrity of Turkey's borders. The ministry confirmed that a significant number of terrorists were "neutralized," indicating they were either killed or captured.

TAI produces KAAN, the country's first national combat aircraft, among other projects, and has over 10,000 employees.

The attack was captured on CCTV from the streets and TAI headquarters, showing armed gunmen entering the offices shortly before the incident. Clips from the attack, now viral on social media, depict the explosions and gunfire.

Local media showed footage of large smoke plumes and fire in Kahramankazan, about 40 km (25 miles) north of Ankara, as assailants carrying assault rifles and backpacks entered the facility. AFP, citing Haberturk TV, reported an ongoing "hostage situation," while NTV mentioned gunshots following the explosion at around 4:00 PM (1300 GMT).

At the time of the attack, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 16th BRICS Summit.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that two militants involved in the TAI assault were neutralized during the incident. The attack, executed by armed individuals who detonated explosives at TAI, targeted a facility crucial to Turkey's defense sector.

Turkey Restricts Social Media Platforms Following TAI Attack

Social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, have reportedly faced restrictions in Turkey following a deadly attack on the Turkish Aerospace Industries headquarters in Ankara. NetBlocks, a global internet observatory monitoring cybersecurity and digital governance, noted that these restrictions were implemented shortly after the attack. According to NetBlocks on X, "live metrics show social media platforms... have been restricted in #Turkey" in the aftermath of the incident. These measures align with a broader broadcast ban imposed by Turkish authorities to control the flow of information regarding the attack.