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A deadly attack on the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara has prompted Turkish authorities to restrict access to major social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. The restrictions were implemented shortly after the attack, according to NetBlocks, a global internet observatory that monitors cybersecurity and digital governance.
NetBlocks reported on X that "live metrics show social media platforms... have been restricted in #Turkey" following the incident. These restrictions align with a broader broadcast ban imposed by Turkish authorities in an attempt to control the flow of information related to the attack.
The attack, which has been described as a "terror attack," resulted in three fatalities and five injuries, according to Selim Cirpanoglu, the mayor of Kahramankazan province. Cirpanoglu shared these details during an interview with the Turkish TV channel Tele on Wednesday.
Reports suggest that the attack involved an explosion followed by gunfire at the TUSAS facility. HaberTurk television has speculated that the explosion may have been the result of a suicide bomber. The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday, sent shockwaves through Turkey's aviation industry.
Turkey's interior minister confirmed the incident as a "terrorist attack," stating, "A terrorist act has been carried out against Turkish Aerospace Industries... Unfortunately, there are casualties and wounded," Ali Yerlikaya wrote in a post on X. His statement came shortly after local media reported an explosion and gunfire at a site roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the capital.
Local reports indicate that employees at the facility on the outskirts of Ankara were evacuated to a secure location. NTV television reported that security forces, ambulances, and firefighters were quickly sent to the scene.
TUSAS, the targeted company, specializes in designing, manufacturing, and assembling both civilian and military aircraft, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles and other defense and space systems.