Germany: 7 Indians injured in Christmas market attack, India strongly condemned, death toll reaches five

Berlin: Five people were killed and more than 200 injured in a car attack at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg on Friday evening. The injured also included seven Indian nationals, three of whom have been discharged from hospital.

The attacker was identified as Taleb A., a 50-year-old doctor of Saudi Arabian origin. Has been living in Germany since 2006. After the incident, accused Taleb A. Was arrested on the spot itself. According to state Premier Reiner Haseloff, Taleb was working in Saxony-Anhalt. The attack took place when a black BMW car plowed into a crowded Christmas market where people were busy with festive shopping.

Strong condemnation of the attack

India has strongly condemned this attack in Magdeburg, Germany. “We condemn the horrific and senseless attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany,” it said in a statement. Many precious lives were lost and many were injured in this accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. We are in touch with the injured Indians and their families and are providing all possible assistance.”

Memories of 2016 Berlin attack fresh

The attack has revived memories of an attack on a Berlin Christmas market in 2016, when a truck was driven into a crowd, killing 12 and injuring more than 70. After the incident, the attacker fled to Italy, where he was later shot dead by the police. Following the recent incident, the New York Police Department (NYPD) has increased security at the holiday markets in their city to deal with any such potential threat.

Germany's Chancellor expressed condolences

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the attack as a “horrible act” and expressed his condolences to the victims. He laid white roses in memory of the victims outside a church in Magdeburg. Let us tell you that the city of Magdeburg, Germany, with a population of about 237,000, is located in Saxony-Anhalt, about 150 kilometers west of Berlin.