Turkey attack latest: Four killed in ‘terror attack’; reports hostages taken; first images show suspected gunman
Key points
- Fatalities and hostages reportedly taken at defence company in Turkish capital – not yet clear who is behind attackFour killed and 14 injured in attack, says Turkish presidentImages of suspected attackers emergeAttackers ‘arrived in taxi’ and ‘gained entry during shift change’ Reports of hostages being takenLive reporting by Ollie Cooper
16:52:49 Watch: Gunshots heard as attack unfolds
We can now bring you video from outside the TUSAS building in Ankara while an apparent terror attack unfolded.
Local media reported a loud explosion followed by gunshots – and officials have confirmed that four people were killed, with at least 14 injured.
16:45:54 What we know so far
If you’re just joining us, here’s what we know so far:
- Armed gunmen set off an explosion and fired shots in an attack on a Turkish defence company building on the outskirts of the capital, Ankara;Four people have been confirmed dead, according to Turkey’s president – a further 14 are injured; Two of the attackers have been killed, according to ministers, but it’s not clear if anyone else was involved; It’s also not yet clear who was behind the attack, with no group claiming responsibility;Some media reports claimed a suicide attack had occurred and that there were hostages inside the building, though officials have not confirmed this;Sky News has verified this image showing one of the apparent attackers entering the TUSAS building:
16:30:22 Putin condemns shooting
Vladimir Putin has condemned the attack.
The Russian president is hosting leaders including Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a BRICS economic summit in Kazan.
Speaking directly to Mr Erdogan, Mr Putin expressed his condolences.
16:24:47 Images of suspected attackers emerge
Security camera images from the attack, aired on television, show a man carrying a backpack and holding an assault rifle.
At least one woman, also carrying an assault rifle, was among the assailants, according to other images that we’re not showing due to their graphic nature.
These two images have been verified by Sky News.
16:19:55 Erdogan: Four killed in attack
Four people have been killed in an attack on a defence company in Turkey, the country’s president has said.
We heard earlier that three had died, but Recep Tayyip Erdogan has now revised that number.
“We have four martyrs,” Mr Erdogan said during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia.
“We have 14 wounded. I condemn this heinous terrorist attack and wish mercy on our martyrs.”
16:10:40 Attack appears to be over
The attack on the TUSAS building in Ankara appears to be over, according to officials.
Selim Cirpanoglum, mayor of the district of Kahramankazan, told the Associated Press that the attack on the company had abated – but could not provide more details.
Two of the attackers involved are dead, according to the country’s interior minister.
It’s not clear how many attackers there were in total.
16:07:51 Attackers ‘arrived in taxi’ and ‘gained entry during shift change’
Our international correspondent John Sparks is across this story and has summarised what local media is saying about the incident.
It’s important to note that none of these reports have been confirmed by officials sources as of yet.
“A group of assailants reportedly arrived at the factory in a taxi, they then gained access to the [building] complex during a shift change,” Sparks said.
After that, reports state that “some sort of explosive device” was detonated and armed gunmen entered the premises and shots were heard, he added.
A reminder that three people have been killed and 14 injured, according to the Turkish interior minister, who also said two of the attackers have been killed.
On the target – a Turkish state-run defence company – Sparks says it makes fighter jets.
“It builds F-16 jets – American F-16 jets under license from the US – it also builds transport aircraft, surveillance aircraft, helicopters, drones.
“It is one of the biggest defence industry manufacturers in Turkey.”
15:59:17 Two attackers killed
Two of the perpetrators behind today’s attack in Ankara have been killed, according to Turkey’s interior minister.
Ali Yerlikaya said “two terrorists were neutralised in the terrorist attack targeting the Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc.
“I condemn this heinous attack.
“Our struggle will continue with determination and resolve until the last terrorist is neutralised.”
15:55:15 Three dead, 14 injured
There’s conflicting reports on the number of casualties in this afternoon’s attack in Ankara – but we’ve just had word from a government official.
Interior minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that three people had been killed and 14 injured.
We’ll bring you any updates on casualties as we get them.
15:54:57 Reports of hostages taken
NTV television is reporting that hostages have been taken by the attackers carrying out the attack on defence company TUSAS.
This is yet to be confirmed by officials, but we’ll bring you the latest as we get it.
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