23 Oct 2024 | 02:28 PM UTC
Turkiye: Authorities continuing response to reported gunshots, explosion at Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara afternoon of Oct. 23 /update 2
Authorities continuing response to attack at Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara, Turkiye, Oct. 23. Hostages, casualties reported.
Authorities are continuing to respond to a terror attack at the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) headquarters on Havacilik Bulvari in Ankara mid-afternoon of Oct. 23. An explosion reportedly occurred around 16:00, after which unknown armed suspects opened fire. Footage from the scene appears to show at least four shooters. Gunshots continued to be reported as of 16:42. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya characterized the incident as a "terrorist attack." At least two deaths and an unknown number of injuries have occurred. Images circulating on social media purport to show at least nine individuals taken hostage; however, this information is unconfirmed. Security, fire, and medical personnel are reportedly at the incident site.
Exchanges of fire will likely continue until authorities give the all-clear. Security forces will likely continue to amass near the incident site. Further explosions are possible. Casualty numbers may rise in the coming hours. Transport disruptions are likely in a wide radius around the incident site.
Avoid the affected area. Strictly heed all instructions from authorities. Immediately seek cover at the first sign of any security disturbance.
At 17:08, President of Turkiye's Radio and Television Supreme Council Ebubekir Sahin announced an official ban on the circulation of "terrorist propaganda" related to the attack and warned of sanctions against outlets that fail to heed this instruction. Sahin noted that he took this decision following the circulation of unconfirmed information related to the attack on social media and among news outlets. This will likely lead to a marked slowdown in news outlets' circulation of any information related to the attack that has not been confirmed by official sources over the coming hours.
