Identities of Ankara terrorist attack’s 5 victims revealed

A devastating terrorist attack targeted the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) facility in Ankara on October 23, resulting in the deaths of 5 individuals and injuries to 22 others.

The Ankara terrorist attack was carried out by two terrorists, who used a taxi to infiltrate the facility.

The nation is now mourning the loss of its citizens, with an outpouring of condolences, support, and empathy flooding social media, where many are expressing their grief and solidarity during this difficult time.

Ankara terrorist attack on Oct. 23 shocks nation, its aftermath

According to reports, the 2 terrorists hijacked a taxi in Kahramankazan and killed the driver, Murat Arslan, before using the vehicle to approach the TAI facility. The terrorists detonated explosives near the entrance gate of the facility, killing five individuals, including Murat Arslan.

In addition to the fatalities, 22 people were injured during the Ankara terrorist attack, two of them critically. Security forces quickly intervened, and both terrorists were neutralized during the clash. Authorities believe the attack was carried out by the PKK/YPG terrorist organization, based on the methods and weapons used.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya expressed deep sorrow over the incident: “May Allah have mercy on our martyrs, and I wish a speedy recovery to our wounded. We will continue to inform the public as developments arise.”

Murat Arslan: Taxi driver who fell victim to Ankara terrorist attack

Murat Arslan, a taxi driver, was one of the five victims killed in the attack. Arslan, who worked at his father’s taxi station, was on duty when the terrorists hijacked his vehicle. They shot him in the back and placed his body in the trunk before proceeding with the Ankara terrorist attack.

Arslan’s father, Mahmut Arslan, shared his heartbreaking, saying, “They shot my son in the back and put him in the trunk. I still haven’t seen my son’s body.” Friends and family described Murat as a hard-working man who was “always fighting to earn his daily bread” and deeply committed to his family.

Chief engineer Zahide Guclu Ekici: Happy life tragically cut short

Zahide Guclu Ekici, a 37-year-old chief mechanical engineer at TAI, was another victim of the attack. Ekici had gone to the facility’s entrance to collect a bouquet of flowers sent by her husband for their wedding anniversary. Tragically, she was caught in the line of fire during the attack.

Ekici, known for her significant contributions to TAI’s projects, including the Gokbey helicopter, was also a devoted mother. She had recently been celebrating the recovery of her daughter, who had undergone two years of cancer treatment.

Zahide’s untimely death left her family and colleagues heartbroken. Her husband, Yalcin Ekici, had briefly worked at TAI before moving to the private sector, and the couple was known for their resilience in the face of personal struggles.

Atakan Sahin Erdogan: Dedicated security officer falls victim to Ankara terrorist attack

Atakan Sahin Erdogan, a security officer at TAI, was killed while trying to protect the facility during the attack. Erdogan had worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of the site and its employees.

His home in Sincan was draped in Turkish flags as his family and community gathered to mourn his loss. A funeral is planned at the Cimsit Cemetery in Ankara.

Erdogan’s sacrifice in the line of duty serves as a powerful reminder of the risks that security personnel face every day. His bravery during the attack will not be forgotten.

Cengiz Coskun: Family man, quality control officer at TAI falls victim

Cengiz Coskun, a quality control officer at TAI, was also among those who lost their lives in the attack. Coskun, originally from Sivas, had settled in Ankara with his family.

He was married to dentist Aysan Sungu Coskun, and they had a young son named Alaz. Coskun was deeply dedicated to his work and family, and his sudden death has left a void that will be difficult to fill.

His family and friends have expressed their deep sorrow, with many describing him as a loving father and a devoted husband who always put others first.

Hasan Huseyin Cambaz: Loved colleague and friend

The fifth victim of the attack was Hasan Huseyin Cambaz, a TAI employee from Konya’s Bozkir district. Cambaz, who had worked at TAI for many years, was a respected member of his community and workplace. His death has sent shockwaves through his hometown, where the local mayor, Nazif Karabulut, shared the heartbreaking news on social media.

“Hasan Huseyin Cambaz, from my hometown of Arslantas, was martyred in the TAI terrorist attack yesterday. We curse terrorism in all its forms and pray for our martyr’s soul,” the mayor wrote.

Cambaz’s family and friends are mourning the loss of a kind and generous man who was always there to lend a helping hand.

Why was TAI Ankara terrorist attack’s target?

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is a key player in Türkiye’s defense sector.

• It was the target of a terrorist attack in the Kahramankazan district of Ankara, resulting in five deaths and 22 injuries
• The attack is believed to have aimed at undermining Türkiye’s defense capabilities
• Minister Yerlikaya confirmed that the two terrorists involved were eliminated shortly after the incident
• President Erdogan stated that the assault sought to weaken Türkiye’s goal of achieving full independence in its defense sector, as TAI plays a crucial role in this mission
• TAI is responsible for several critical defense projects, including the KAAN fighter jet, unmanned aerial vehicles and helicopters used by the Turkish Armed Forces
• The attack is seen as a direct threat to Türkiye’s defense autonomy, with TAI’s role in localizing production and reducing reliance on foreign technology, making it a significant target
• Despite the attack, TAI continued its operations, highlighting its importance to Türkiye’s defense industry and its pursuit of national security and technological advancement.

The attack on TAI has sent shockwaves throughout Türkiye. The victims of this senseless violence were not just employees, but individuals with families, friends and communities who loved and cherished them.

The PKK/YPG is suspected of orchestrating the attack, with matching weapons and tactics from previous assaults, as new information from the ongoing investigation supports these suspicions. Turkish security forces remain vigilant while the nation mourns, committed to preventing future attacks and bringing those responsible to justice.