Erdogan cuts Kazan visit short following terrorist attack in Ankara

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will return to Türkiye on the morning of October 24, cutting short his visit to Kazan for the BRICS summit.

While Erdogan had planned further engagements in Kazan, the terrorist attack in Ankara prompted his early departure, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

Erdogan skipped a scheduled reception in Kazan organized in honour of the summit.

The Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) issued a strong condemnation of the terrorist attack.

"We strongly condemn this insidious attack, express our condolences to the Republic of Türkiye and the brotherly Turkish people, and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded," read the OTS statement.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack, stating, "The incident in Ankara today demonstrates that there is no justification for terrorism or the harm of innocent civilians. Armenia opposes all forms of terrorism and violent actions."

The attack, which occurred at TUSAŞ, a major producer of military aircraft and space equipment, resulted in five fatalities and 22 injuries following explosions and a shootout. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya attributed the attack to members of the PKK terrorist organization.

An investigation is underway, and further details are expected after confirmation of the attackers' identities.

Following the attack, Turkish air forces launched retaliatory airstrikes on PKK targets in northern Iraq and Syria, destroying 32 sites and reportedly killing many members of the group, according to the Turkish Ministry of Defence.

By Tamilla Hasanova