Tragedy Strikes Turkish Defense Company

Wednesday saw a tragic incident unfold at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) in Turkey. The country's interior minister, Ali Yerlikaya, confirmed that at least five people lost their lives and 14 were injured in what is being called a "terrorist attack. " The facility, located about 20 miles north of Ankara, is a key player in manufacturing fighter jets and equipment for NATO, the second largest military after the United States. The attackers, who arrived in a yellow taxi, caused two explosions at the site. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, currently attending the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, called the event a "despicable attack. " Both attackers were killed, and some of the injured are in serious condition. Turkey has a history of facing an insurgency by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), outlawed as a terror group but seen as freedom fighters by some Kurds. Interestingly, this attack occurred just a day after a suggestion that the PKK's jailed leader, Abdullah Ocalan, could speak in parliament if he ends the conflict.