Germany: Seven Indian nationals were among those injured in a tragic attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, which resulted in five deaths, including a 9-year-old child, and nearly 200 injuries. Three of the injured Indians have since been discharged from the hospital. The Indian Embassy is in touch with the affected individuals and their families, offering assistance.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack, calling it “horrific and senseless” and expressing condolences for the lives lost and those injured. The MEA confirmed that the Indian mission in Germany is coordinating support for the victims and their families.
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, zigzagging for about 400 meters, causing panic before being stopped by police. Taleb, a doctor who had lived in Germany since 2006, was arrested at the scene, with CCTV footage showing him on the ground near the damaged vehicle as police detained him.
Emergency services quickly responded, and the market was closed indefinitely. Local authorities have increased security in public areas. Investigations revealed that Taleb held “Islamophobic” views and was dissatisfied with Germany’s treatment of Saudi refugees. Prosecutors speculated that his grievances with the refugee system might have motivated the attack. Taleb was known for his activism as a “Saudi atheist” and his vocal opposition to Islam and Germany’s refugee policies.
This incident recalls the 2016 Berlin Christmas market attack, where a truck was deliberately driven into a crowd, killing 12 people and injuring over 70. The attacker later fled to Italy, where he was killed by police.