Türkiye vows not to permit ‘terror state’ following security meeting on Ankara attack
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan chairs a security summit at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Türkiye, October 24, 2024. (AA Photo)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan convened a security meeting in Istanbul on Thursday, a day after a terrorist attack in Ankara claimed five lives and injured 22 others, according to security sources.
Following the meeting, officials reiterated that Türkiye will not permit the establishment of a “terror state” along its borders.
Erdogan returned from Kazan, Russia, where he attended the 16th BRICS summit.
The meeting included key officials such as Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, Chief of General Staff General Metin Gurak, and Chief of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Ibrahim Kalin.
Other attendees included Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, Defense Industry President Haluk Gorgun, Foreign Policy and Security Advisor Akif Cagatay Kilic, and AK Party spokesperson Omer Celik.
Held at the Ataturk Airport’s state guesthouse, the meeting focused on the terror attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in the Kahramankazan district of Ankara, addressing necessary steps in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
Türkiye will not permit ‘terror state’
Officials reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to combatting terrorism and emphasized that the country will not permit the establishment of a “terror state” along its borders.
Interior Minister Yerlikaya confirmed that the terrorists responsible for the attack were identified as members of the PKK, a group that has waged a terror campaign against Türkiye for over 40 years. The PKK is recognized as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union, and has been linked to approximately 40,000 deaths in its violent struggle.
Turkish parliament condemns the terror attack
Meanwhile, Turkish parliament on Thursday approved a motion condemning Wednesday’s terror attack in the capital Ankara.
“The terrorist attack on the Turkish Aerospace Industries facilities in Ankara on Oct. 23 2024 is a vile attempt against the peace and tranquility of our country,” said the motion.
The motion reiterated Ankara’s determination to fight against terrorism and its supporters.
