PUTIN, UN AND NATO CHIEFS EXTEND CONDOLENCES OVER TERRORIST ATTACK IN TURKISH CAPITAL

HAMILTON (Canada), Oct 23 (Bernama-AA) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday extended condolences to Türkiye after a terrorist attack targeted facilities of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in the capital Ankara.

"We await information but condemn this attack on civilians. We send our condolences to the families of the victims and hope for the full recovery of those injured," UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told Anadolu on behalf of Guterres.

Three people have died in the attack, with 14 wounded, according to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Two terrorists were also neutralised, he said.

He called on people seeking the latest developments to rely on statements from official sources.

In KAZAN, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over a terrorist attack.

Speaking in person on the sidelines of a BRICS group summit Erdogan is attending as a guest, Putin said:

"Dear Mr. President, dear colleagues, we are very glad to welcome you to Kazan. But before we start work, I would like to express my condolences in connection with the terrorist attack. Media reports are coming in about the terrorist attack in Türkiye.”

Putin added that Russia condemns any manifestations of terrorism.

Anadolu Agency reported NATO's secretary general expressed solidarity with Türkiye.

"Deeply concerning reports of dead and wounded in Ankara. NATO stands with our Ally Turkey," Mark Rutte said on X.

"We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and are monitoring developments closely," Rutte added.

Security forces, firefighters, and paramedics were dispatched to the area.

It was reported that the defence firm's personnel were directed to shelters for security reasons.

Ankara prosecutors launched an investigation into the terrorist attack targeting the facility, according to the report. 

-- BERNAMA