Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders condemned the Vienna terrorist attack as a “cruel and cynical crime, which has once again confirmed the inhuman nature of terrorism.”
Other leaders are from Israel, Egypt and other countries
Putin expressed condolences to Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Sebastian Kurz as well as the families and friends of the victims, according to a statement posted on the Kremlin’s website.
Terrorist forces should never be able to “sow discord and enmity between people of different religions,” the statement said.
According to the statement, Russia is ready to enhance cooperation with Austria in the fight against terrorism.
Putin expressed a similar sentiment in a message last week to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, saying that global powers must further pool their efforts to eliminate terrorism.
Similarly, Israeli Defence Minister and Alternative Prime Minister Benny Gantz said that the deadly attack in Vienna had illustrated the need to continue actively combating acts of terrorism and boost international cooperation in this direction.
A group of unknown gunmen opened fire late on Monday in several locations in the Austrian capital, with one of the targets being a synagogue in the centre of Vienna.
At least, four people were killed and more than a dozen others were injured as a result of the attack.
“The terror attack in Vienna is further evidence of the need to continue resolutely and decisively fighting terrorism wherever it raises its head, while furthering effective international cooperation and information exchange on the matter,” Gantz wrote on Twitter.
The minister has also voiced his country’s support to the Austrian people and the Jewish community of Vienna.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi also joined other top Israeli officials in offering their condolences for the tragic incident in Vienna.
“Israel utterly condemns last night’s murderous terror attack in Vienna.
“I send my deepest condolences to the families of those who were murdered, and wish a full recovery to all those wounded. #WeStandWithVienna,” Ashkenazi wrote on Twitter.
Ashkenazi said that Israel stands alongside Austria’s people and government, adding that the friendship between the two countries “is as strong as ever.”
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has already described what happened as a terrorist attack.
Law enforcement authorities said one of the attackers was neutralised and at least one was still at large.
The key gunman is said to have been a supporter of the Islamic State terrorist organisation (banned in Russia).
Also, Egypt’s top religious institution, al-Azhar, condemned a terrorist attack in Austria and urged the international community to stand in solidarity in the face of terrorism.
Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam’s influential seat of learning, also called on “everyone to come together to spread peace across the world and refute violence and hatred.’’
The Vienna attacker was a 20-year-old man who was previously convicted for involvement with a terrorist organisation, Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said.
The man was a citizen of Austria and North Macedonia, the minister told Austrian press agency APA.
Police have raided 15 homes and detained several people that are linked with the suspect, according to Nehammer. (dpa/NAN)
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