Egypt condemns Berlin Christmas market attack

Tuesday 20-12-2016 12:03 PM

The suspect drove the black truck into the wooden huts and stands in a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 people and injuring 48 others. Reuters

CAIRO, Dec 20 (Aswat Masriya) - Egypt condemned an attack on a Christmas market in Berlin that left 12 dead and at least 48 injured after a truck sped into the venue and crashed through wooden huts and stands packed with people Monday evening.

Berlin police suspect it was a terrorist act, saying that the driver drove into the market intentionally. Some news reports have linked the attack to a 23-year-old Pakistani who arrived in Germany a year ago as an asylum seeker.

According to police investigations, the truck was hijacked by the suspect and a Polish national, believed to be the original driver, was found dead in the vehicle.

The suspected driver was later arrested after fleeing the crime scene.

In its statement published Tuesday, the Egyptian foreign ministry affirmed the solidarity of the Egyptian people and their government with the people of Germany.

“Terrorism has become a threat the security and stability of all peoples around the world in an unprecedented manner,” the ministry said.

Monday’s attack is reminiscent of the attack in Nice, France in July when a Tunisian-born man drove a cargo truck crashing into people who had gathered to watch the fireworks on Bastille Day, killing 86 people. That attack was claimed by the Islamic State.

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