Türkiye condemns attack on Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany

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.

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.

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.

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.

We are horrified by the attack today in Magdeburg, Germany. We send our condolences to those affected and stand by our friend and Ally Germany.

— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) December 21, 2024

“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.”