Just as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Kazan for the BRICS summit, news broke of a terrifying attack in Ankara. Terrorists stormed the headquarters of TUSAŞ, a crucial aerospace company in Türkiye known for making military aircraft and drones. This shocking incident involved three well-armed attackers, including a woman, and led to the deaths of five people, with over 20 others injured.
The attack was caught on security cameras. It happened during a change of security guards, allowing some terrorists to enter the building and take hostages. Fortunately, special forces managed to rescue the hostages and eliminate the attackers. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to Erdogan and condemned the assault. In response, Erdogan declared that the attack on TUSAŞ was an attack on Türkiye’s independence, vowing to fight against terrorism.
A Deeper Look into the Attack
The Turkish Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, revealed that one of the attackers was linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group that Türkiye designates as a terrorist organization. In retaliation, the Turkish Air Force launched strikes against PKK targets in Iraq and Syria, emphasizing their right to defend themselves according to international law.
The speed of the Turkish government’s response was expected, especially since TUSAŞ is a key player in the country’s defense industry, involved in projects like the Kaan fighter jets and Anka combat drones. The attack seemed deliberate, coinciding with Erdogan’s important visit to Russia, perhaps intended to send a strong message to him.
Interestingly, the timing of the attack led to a wave of speculation. A popular Turkish TV series, “The Organization,” had eerily predicted a similar event three years earlier. The show depicted a terrorist attack on a defense company, hinting at the possibility that foreign intelligence agencies were involved.
The Bigger Picture
This attack occurred during a significant week for Türkiye’s defense industry, as an exhibition showcasing its aerospace and military capabilities was taking place. With the defense sector accounting for a massive chunk of Türkiye’s exports—over $10 billion in 2023 alone—the attack seemed aimed at undermining the country’s military strength.
Moreover, the location of the attack, a district known as “Kahramankazan,” has sparked theories that it was a calculated move to disrupt Erdogan’s cooperation with BRICS, especially given the current summit happening in Kazan. Analysts suspect that Western powers might be behind such attacks to intimidate Erdogan and disrupt his relationship with emerging powers.
The relationship between the PKK and the US adds another layer of complexity. While both countries classify the PKK as a terrorist organization, the US has maintained contact with them, viewing their alliance as a strategy in the fight against ISIS. However, Türkiye sees this relationship as a threat to its national security.
Erdogan’s Dilemma
Erdogan faces a challenging situation: he aims to balance Türkiye’s interests between NATO alliances and its growing relationships with countries like China and Russia. This attack may be a reminder of the risks involved in his multi-faceted foreign policy approach.
The terrorist attack in Ankara raises questions about the timing and intent behind it. Was it a warning for Erdogan as he seeks to strengthen ties with BRICS? As Türkiye navigates its role on the global stage, it faces both internal and external challenges that could reshape its future.
