Seven Indian Nationals Injured in Tragic Christmas Market Attack in Germany
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Berlin, Dec 22 (NationPress) Seven Indian nationals were among the victims injured in a tragic attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, which claimed the lives of five individuals, including a 9-year-old child, and left nearly 200 injured, according to official reports.
Three of the injured Indians have since been discharged from the hospital, as confirmed by the sources. The Indian Embassy is in touch with the affected individuals and their families, providing necessary assistance.
Previously, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the incident, labeling it a “horrific and senseless attack.”
In a formal statement, the MEA expressed, “Several precious lives have been lost, and many have been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims.”
The Ministry also confirmed that the Indian mission in Germany is actively coordinating with the injured and their families to ensure they receive the required support and aid.
On Friday evening, a 50-year-old Saudi national, identified as Taleb A., drove a black BMW through the crowded Christmas market near Magdeburg's city hall. The vehicle traveled approximately 400 meters in a zigzag pattern, causing widespread panic before being halted by police.
Taleb, a doctor residing in Germany since 2006, was apprehended at the scene. CCTV footage captured the suspect lying on the ground next to the heavily damaged vehicle as police took him into custody.
Emergency services, including ambulances and firefighters, responded promptly to assist the victims. Following the attack, the bustling Christmas market was closed indefinitely, and local authorities have heightened security in public areas.
Authorities reported that Taleb held “Islamophobic” views and voiced grievances regarding Germany's treatment of Saudi Arabian refugees.
Interior Minister Nancy Fraser highlighted his ideological leanings, while prosecutors indicated that his dissatisfaction with the refugee system might have motivated the attack.
Taleb was known for his activism as a “Saudi atheist” who aided women in escaping the conservative kingdom. He was outspoken against Islam and Germany's refugee policies.
This incident recalls the Berlin Christmas market attack, where a truck was deliberately driven into a crowd, resulting in 12 deaths and over 70 injuries. That attacker fled to Italy, where he was ultimately shot dead by police.
