Deadly Attack on Magdeburg Christmas Market Condemned by Kurdistan Region Leaders
A tragic attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg on Friday night left at least two people dead and 68 others injured, including 15 in critical condition. Among the deceased was a young child. Authorities have classified the incident as a terror attack.
A 50-year-old Saudi Arabian psychiatrist, Taleb A., has been arrested in connection with the assault. Taleb, who has been residing in Germany since 2006 and was granted refugee status in 2016, allegedly drove a car into the crowded market. German state premier Reiner Haselof described Taleb as a lone perpetrator and reassured residents that there is no indication of further danger to the city.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, including strong statements from leaders in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Kurdistan Region Leaders Express Sympathy
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani denounced the attack as "barbaric" in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). He extended condolences to the victims and their families, expressing solidarity with the German people. "In the Kurdistan Region, we stand with the German people during these difficult times. Our hearts and thoughts are with the families of the victims, and we wish the injured a swift recovery," President Barzani wrote.
به توندى سه‌ركۆنه‌ى ئه‌و هێرشه دڕندانه‌یه ده‌كه‌م كه دوێنێ ئێواره بازاڕێكى سه‌رى ساڵى له ماگدێبورگ له ئه‌ڵمانيا به ئامانج گرت. ئێمه له هه‌رێمى كوردستان له‌م كاته سه‌خته‌دا بير و دڵمان لاى كه‌سوكارى قوربانييانه و هاوسۆزى گه‌لى ئه‌ڵمانياين. هيواى زووچاكبوونه‌وه بۆ…
— Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) December 21, 2024
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also expressed his shock and sympathy on X, stating, "I am appalled by the horrific attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. I convey my condolences to the people and government of Germany, and my thoughts are with the victims and their families at this difficult time."
I am appalled by the horrific attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) December 21, 2024
I convey my condolences to the people and government of Germany and my thoughts are with the victims and their families at this difficult time.
Ongoing Investigation
German authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident. Premier Haselof called the attack a "senseless act of violence" and pledged to support the victims and their families. Meanwhile, security measures have been heightened in public spaces across the country during the holiday season.
This tragic event has cast a shadow over festive celebrations in Magdeburg, as residents and visitors grapple with the aftermath of the attack.
