ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed solidarity with Turkiye after four people were killed and 14 wounded in an attack on the country’s state-run aerospace and defense company TUSAS in Ankara on Wednesday.
Turkiye’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said two attackers were killed in what he called a “terrorist attack” at the Turkish Aerospace Industries’ headquarters. The minister added that three of the injured were in critical condition.
TV broadcasters earlier showed footage of armed assailants entering the TUSAS building while witnesses said they heard gunfire and a loud explosion at the site.
“Deeply shocked and saddened by the terrorist attack in Ankara,” Sharif wrote on social media platform X.
“Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with our Turkish brothers. I strongly condemn this dastardly act & pray for the families of the victims as well as speedy recovery of the injured,” he added.
TUSAS is Turkiye’s largest aerospace manufacturer, currently producing a training craft, combat and civilian helicopters, as well as developing the country’s first indigenous fighter jet, KAAN. Owned by the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation and government, it employs more than 10,000 people.
The cause and perpetrators of the attack remained unclear as no group claimed responsibility. Prosecutors have launched an investigation, Turkiye’s state-run Anadolu Agency reported.
Turkiye has previously suffered attacks by militant outfits Daesh and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Pakistan expresses solidarity with Turkiye as attack on Ankara aviation site kills 4
https://arab.news/65he6
Pakistan expresses solidarity with Turkiye as attack on Ankara aviation site kills 4
- Unidentified attackers target country’s aerospace and defense company TUSAS in Ankara
- Pakistani PM condemns “dastardly attack,” prays for speedy recovery of 14 people injured
US, Pakistan launch joint counterterrorism exercise to boost interoperability, share expertise
- Pakistan, US have maintained multifaceted relations for decades, encompassing security, economic engagement and people-to-people ties
- Both sides have sought to stabilize ties by focusing on areas of mutual interest such as regional stability, trade and counterterrorism
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States (US) launched the 13th edition of their bilateral joint counterterrorism exercise, Inspired Gambit 2026, to boost interoperability and share counterterrorism expertise, the Pakistani military said on Saturday.
The two-week-long exercise involves contingents from Pakistani and US armies. Officials from both sides attended the opening ceremony at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Pabbi in northwest Pakistan, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military's media wing.
It is aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and interoperability through the sharing of counter-terrorism experiences, while further refining tactics, techniques, and procedures essential for effective CT operations.
"Emphasis is being laid on marksmanship skills during urban warfare, as well as on understanding each other’s operational doctrines and best practices," the ISPR said in a statement.
"Such joint training exercises are of vital importance in addressing evolving security challenges, improving professional military standards, and strengthening the capacity of both forces to operate in complex counter-terrorism environments."
Pakistan and the US have maintained multifaceted relations for decades, encompassing security cooperation, economic engagement and people-to-people ties. While the partnership has experienced periods of strain, particularly over regional security dynamics in South Asia and Afghanistan, both sides have continued to engage through institutional mechanisms, including military-to-military contacts, counterterrorism cooperation and high-level diplomatic dialogues.
In recent years, Islamabad and Washington have sought to stabilize ties by focusing on areas of mutual interest such as regional stability, trade, counterterrorism and climate resilience. Defense collaboration, including joint exercises and training programs, remains a key component of their relationship.
"Inspired Gambit–2026 reflects the continued commitment of Pakistan and the United States towards collaborative efforts for peace and stability," the ISPR added.
