At least 11 killed in Montenegro shooting
The shooting took place in Cetinje, some 36 kilometres (22 miles) west of Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro (flag pictured being raised by soldiers in May 2020)
Podgorica – At least 11 people were killed during a mass shooting in Montenegro’s central city of Cetinje on Friday, the country’s public broadcaster said, in the deadliest violent incident to rock the Adriatic nation in years.
“Eleven people were killed, while six were wounded, including a member of the police,” Montenegro’s public broadcaster RTCG said, adding that the shooter was included in the toll.
A police officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, also confirmed the figure to AFP.
The incident took place in Cetinje, some 36 kilometres (22 miles) west of the capital Podgorica, after the shooter was involved in a family dispute, according to RTCG.
The shooter was later killed after firing at police officers, the broadcaster added, with an unspecified number of children believed to be among the victims killed.
In the shooting’s wake, Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic called on the country to offer support to the families of the victims, saying the incident was unprecedented in Montenegro’s recent history.
“I invite all the citizens of Montenegro to be with the families of the innocent victims,” the prime minister wrote in a post on Telegram.
Montenegro is famed for its picturesque beaches, framed by nearby mountains that have long been a draw for tourists.
Cetinje is the site of the country’s former royal capital and lies in a mountainous valley that has largely stagnated economically in recent decades.
Residents were left in shock in the shooting’s wake.
“I can’t believe that this happened in Cetinje and Montenegro. I do not know what to say, I am speechless. I do not know where this can lead us,” said Cetinje resident Milorad Mitrovic to RTCG.
The incident comes as the country is in the full throes of its highly anticipated tourism high season following two years of the coronavirus pandemic.
With an unemployment rate of some 18 percent and an average monthly salary of under 520 euros ($614), Montenegro counts on tourism and the appeal of some 300 km of azure coastline to boost its revenues.
Holiday destinations such as Budva and Kotor draw big crowds, the latter appearing on the UNESCO world heritage list.
Organised crime and corruption have remained two major issues plaguing the country which authorities have pledged to tackle under pressure from the EU.