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The world – Europe
Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nihamer confirmed that several people were killed and injured in the shooting, noting that authorities believe it represents a terrorist attack.
Nihamer added that the operation is still continuing, noting that the attack involved a group of people.
The channel “OE24” cited police sources who affirmed that the attack killed 7 people and injured others, pointing out that it was carried out by a group of armed men, one of whom was killed, while the channel “ORF” confirmed that several people died.
In turn, the daily “Kronen Zeitung” reported that one of the attackers blew himself up, explaining that the attack took place near the largest synagogue in Vienna, located on Schwedenplatz square.
The media, including “OE24”, reported that a group of hitmen were holding hostages in a restaurant in another area of the city center, but this information has not yet been confirmed.
And the Austrian Interior Ministry announced that a police officer was seriously injured and one person was arrested after the shooting in central Vienna.
While the city police confirmed through “Twitter” that it was carrying out a major operation in the first region of Vienna, highlighting that it had deployed “all available forces” to deal with the situation.
Police reported several exchanges of gunfire, saying there were injuries, and asked people to avoid visiting public sites in the area, adding that they would later bring up the details.
While the head of the Jewish community in Austria, Oskar Deutsch, said via “Twitter” that it was unclear whether the Vienna Synagogue and neighboring offices were targeted, indicating that they were closed at the time.
Activists on social media posted video clips from downtown Vienna documenting a heavy police presence, amid reports that the synagogue was attacked by a group of armed men.
