TRANSCRIPT
Two attackers have killed five people and wounded 22 others in Türkiye's capital Ankara in what authorities have called a terrorist attack.
The armed assailants raided the Turkish Aerospace Industries headquarters, where witnesses heard gunfire and an explosion.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya says both attackers were killed after the attack, and two of the injured remain in a critical condition.
He says he believes the Kurdistan Workers Party, a militant and political organisation known as the PKK, are to blame for the violence.
"When compared to previous similar attacks, we have a strong opinion that it is the PKK terrorist organisation. But, as I said, it will become certain once the identities are determined, which we will announce with you to the public, our saintly people."
Witnesses told Reuters that employees inside the building had been taken to shelters by the authorities and no-one had been permitted to leave for a few hours.
They say the blasts they heard may have taken place at different exits as employees were leaving work for the day.
Broadcasters showed footage of an exchange of gunfire in a parking lot, as well as the two attackers carrying assault rifles and backpacks as they entered the building.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had been meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin at the time at a conference for the BRICS organisation between Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
He condemned the attack and thanked President Putin for his condolences.
"I especially thank you President Putin for your condolences. We have at least four martyrs. We have 14 wounded. I condemn this heinous terrorist attack and wish mercy on our martyrs."
The United States government has also condemned the attack with National Security spokesman John Kirby saying their thoughts are with the victims.
"I do want to start by extending our thoughts to the victims of the horrible terrorist attack in Ankara, Türkiye, this morning. Our prayers are with all of those affected and their families and, of course, also the people of Türkiye at this very difficult time. Turkish authorities, as they said, are investigating this as a possible terrorist attack. And while we don't yet know the motive or who is exactly behind it, we strongly condemn this act of violence."
Turkish air forces say they've conducted airstrikes in northern Iraq and northern Syria and destroyed 32 PKK targets adding that many PKK members were killed.
State-run media say prosecutors have now launched an investigation into the attack to get to the truth.
