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Türkiye condemns attack on Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany

Police and ambulances work next to the Christmas market on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, eastern Germany. (AFP Photo)
Police and ambulances work next to the Christmas market on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, eastern Germany. (AFP Photo)
December 21, 2024 03:47 PM GMT+03:00

Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong condemnation following a deadly attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany.

The incident, which occurred on Friday evening, left two people dead, including a young child, and injured 68 others.

In a written statement, the ministry expressed deep sorrow over the event, extending condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and wishing a swift recovery to the injured.

Two Turkish citizens injured in the attack

Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs' announced that two Turkish citizens were injured in the attack that took place at a Christmas Market in Magdeburg, Germany.

"It has been learned that two of our citizens were injured in the tragic attack that took place yesterday at a Christmas Market in Magdeburg, Germany. Our citizens are still receiving treatment in hospital and are not in mortal danger. Their condition is being closely monitored by our Hannover Consulate General." Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

Police works next to the Christmas market, where a car crashed into a crowd injuring between
Police works next to the Christmas market, where a car crashed into a crowd injuring between "60 and 80 people", according to a spokesman for the local rescue service, on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, eastern Germany. - According to the emergency service, several people were "severely" injured", the spokesman said. The death toll in Magdeburg market attack rose to two according to the State Premier. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP)Security forces members stand guard at the entrance of a Christmas market where a car crashed into a crowd injuring more than 60 people on early December 21, 2024 in Magdeburg, eastern Germany. - At least one person was killed and 68 injured December 20, 2024 in a suspected attack on a Christmas market in the eastern Germany city of Magdeburg, local authorities said. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)A security forces member stands guard in the area where a car crashed into a crowd at a Christmas market injuring more than 60 people on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, eastern Germany. - At least one person was killed and 68 injured December 20, 2024 in a suspected attack on a Christmas market in the eastern Germany city of Magdeburg, local authorities said. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

Türkiye's statement on the attack

"We are deeply saddened by the incident at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, which, according to initial assessments, was a deliberate attack,” the minitry stated.

We extend our condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded. We hope that this attack, which we strongly condemn, will be clarified as soon as possible and the possible perpetrators will be brought to justice. We stand by Germany on this painful day.

Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The ministry emphasized Türkiye's solidarity with Germany during this difficult time and called for a swift investigation to uncover the motives behind the attack.

Omer Celik, spokesman for the ruling AK Party: "We strongly condemn the attack targeting a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany."

"It is our greatest wish that the attack will be brought to light as soon as possible and that those responsible will be brought to justice. We offer our condolences for those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. We express once again our principle of joint struggle against terrorism and violence on every ground." Celik added.

Ambulances and rescuers are seen after a car crashed into a crowd at a Christmas market injuring more than 60 people on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, eastern Germany. - The death toll of the Magdeburg market attack rose to two according to the State Premier. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)Ambulances rush to tho hospital after a car crashed into a crowd at a Christmas market injuring more than 60 people on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, eastern Germany. - The death toll of the Magdeburg market attack rose to two according to the State Premier. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP)Rescuers and ambulances stand next to tents in which injured people are treated after a car crashed into a crowd at a Christmas market injuring more than 60 people on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, eastern Germany. - The death toll of the Magdeburg market attack rose to two according to the State Premier. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)Police investigation teams arrive in the area where a car crashed into a crowd at a Christmas market injuring more than 60 people on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, eastern Germany. - The death toll of the Magdeburg market attack rose to two according to the State Premier. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP)
Ambulances and rescuers are seen after a car crashed into a crowd at a Christmas market injuring more than 60 people on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, eastern Germany. - The death toll of the Magdeburg market attack rose to two according to the State Premier. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)Ambulances rush to tho hospital after a car crashed into a crowd at a Christmas market injuring more than 60 people on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, eastern Germany. - The death toll of the Magdeburg market attack rose to two according to the State Premier. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP)Rescuers and ambulances stand next to tents in which injured people are treated after a car crashed into a crowd at a Christmas market injuring more than 60 people on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, eastern Germany. - The death toll of the Magdeburg market attack rose to two according to the State Premier. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)Police investigation teams arrive in the area where a car crashed into a crowd at a Christmas market injuring more than 60 people on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, eastern Germany. - The death toll of the Magdeburg market attack rose to two according to the State Premier. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP)

The incident: Details of Christmas market attack

The attack unfolded when a black BMW drove at high speed through the crowded Christmas market, causing widespread devastation. German authorities reported two fatalities and at least 68 injuries.

The suspect, a 50-year-old medical doctor from Saudi Arabia, was arrested at the scene. Regional Premier Reiner Haseloff confirmed that the suspect had been living in Germany since 2006 and was believed to have acted alone.

Forensics police inspect the car that rammed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, eastern Germany, on December 21, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Forensics police inspect the car that rammed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, eastern Germany, on December 21, 2024. (AFP Photo)

Global reactions to the attack

The Magdeburg tragedy has drawn global condemnation, with leaders and officials expressing solidarity with Germany.

The United States is "shocked and saddened" by a car ramming attack at a German Christmas market, the State Department said on Friday, with the incident in Magdeburg leaving at least two people dead.

https://twitter.com/StateDeptSpox/status/1870300399556596207

State Department's Spokesperson Matthew Miller

"The United States is shocked and saddened by the tragic news from Magdeburg," said spokesman Matthew Miller. "The United States is ready to provide assistance as recovery efforts continue and authorities investigate this horrible incident."

Saudi Arabia also expressed solidarity with Germany on Friday after one of its nationals was arrested following a deadly car-ramming attack in a Christmas market.

The government expressed "solidarity with the German people and the families of the victims", the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on social media platform X, and "affirmed its rejection of violence.”

December 21, 2024 03:47 PM GMT+03:00
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