The Turkish Foreign Ministry on Saturday condemned a deadly car attack at a Christmas market in Germany, Turkey’s state broadcaster TRT reported.
“We are deeply saddened by the incident at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, which, according to initial assessments, was a deliberate attack,” the ministry said in a statement.
“We extend our condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded,” it said.
“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,” according to the ministry. “We stand by Germany on this painful day.”
At least five people were killed and 200 others injured when a car drove into a crowd at a Christmas market Friday in the eastern German city of Magdeburg.
The attack occurred at around 19.04 local time (1804GMT) in the popular Christmas market at Magdeburg’s city center. Videos on social media showed a dark car speeding into the crowd, sending people fleeing in panic and causing chaos at the festive gathering.
Haseloff confirmed that the driver was arrested immediately after the incident. Authorities identified the suspect as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old Saudi doctor.
Police maintained a heavy security presence at the Christmas market and cordoned off the area to secure the crime scene.
Local authorities urged residents to avoid the area while investigations were ongoing.