Iraq’s foreign ministry condemns Netherlands tram shooting attack
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq’s foreign ministry has condemned an armed attack on a tram in the Dutch city of Utrecht, killing three people and injuring five others on Monday.
“The foreign ministry strongly condemns the terrorist attack in the Netherlands, which claimed the lives of three innocent people and wounded five others,” Ahmed al-Sahhaf, the ministry’s spokesman, was quoted as saying by Alghad Press Tuesday.
The ministry demonstrated the solidarity of the Iraqi government and people with the kingdom of the Netherlands in face of the common threats of terrorism.
It further called on the international community to coordinate stances to put an end to the threat of terrorist groups, which could spread throughout the world as “a deadly plague.”
Dutch authorities announced on Monday night the capture of the man suspected of opening fire on the tram. He was identified as Gokmen Tanis, 37, who has had previous run-ins with law enforcement.
Utrecht Mayor Jan van Zanen said the motive behind the attack is “still unclear,” according to CNN.
A second suspect has also been taken into custody, van Zanen said, adding that it’s not clear what his involvement was in the shooting.