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28 March 2024

UAE condemns attack in Munich

Published
By Wam

 The UAE has strongly condemned the 'heinous terrorist crime' which left a number of innocent civilians in dead Munich, Germany on Friday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has said in a statement that the UAE condemns in the strongest possible terms the 'heinous terrorist crime'. It also confirmed its full solidarity with the friendly Republic of Germany and standing beside it in all actions that have to be taken in this circumstances.

The statement reaffirmed that this heinous terrorist crime makes it imperative for everyone to work decisively and without hesitation to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

In the statement, the ministry offered sincere condolences to the Government and people of Germany and the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for the wounded.

UAE Embassy helps stranded citizens in Berlin

UAE Ambassador to Berlin Ali Abdullah Al Ahmed affirmed today that all Emirati citizens in Germany are fine and that the citizens who were stranded following the halt of mass transit system in Munich on Friday, have all been reached and taken to their places of residence.

The UAE embassy confirmed the safety of all UAE citizens in the wake of the shootings in Munich on Friday evening, according to the German police. It advised all UAE nationals to be cautious and not to leave their residences unless necessary.

The embassy noted that the warning issued by the police is confined to Munich only and urged the UAE citizens to register in the 'Twajudi Service' and to communicate with the UAE mission in case of emergency via the General Consulate number in Munich 00494120010 or the Embassy number in Berlin 004930516516.

EARLIER REPORTS: All Emiratis are safe: UAE Consulate General in Munich

The UAE Consulate General in Munich, Germany, has confirmed the safety of all UAE citizens in the wake of the shootings in the city on Friday evening, according to the German police.

It also pointed out that there are no Emiratis among the victims or the injured in the incident.

In a statement, the UAE Consulate General in Munich, said, "Due to the regretful events in Munich, it advises all UAE nationals to be cautious and not to leave their residences unless necessary."

"As a precautious procedure, the UAE Consulate General calls on all Emiratis in Germany to stay indoors wherever they are, despite that the warning issued by the police is confined to Munich only," it said.

The Consulate General also urged the UAE citizens to fully cooperate with the German security authorities, follow the required instructions, and register in the 'Twajudi Service' as well as  communicate with the UAE Consulate General in case of emergency.

Citizens can contact the UAE Consulate in Munich for any assistance on the following number:

Shooting spree

Gunmen attacked a busy shopping mall in the German city of Munich on Friday evening, spraying bullets as people fled in horror for safety from what police said was a terrorist attack.

As special forces rushed to the scene, some people remained holed up in the Olympia shopping center.

"Many shots were fired, I can't say how many but it's been a lot," said a shop worker hiding in a store room inside the mall. The woman, who asked not to be identified, said she had seen a shooting victim on the floor who appeared to be dead or dying.

A worker at a different shop, Harun Balta, said: "We are still stuck inside the mall without any information, we're waiting for the police to rescue us."

Munich into lockdown

Police said six people had been killed and the attackers were still at large. They told the public to get off the streets as the city - Germany's third biggest - went into lockdown, with transport halted and highways sealed off.

Munich police spokeswoman said six people were killed and an undetermined number wounded. No suspects had been arrested yet, she said.

"We believe there was more than one perpetrator. The first reports came at 6 p.m. (1700 GMT), the shooting apparently began at a McDonald's in the shopping center. There are still people in the shopping center. We are trying to get the people out and take care of them," the spokeswoman said.

A video posted online – whose authenticity could not be confirmed – showed a man dressed in black outside a McDonalds by the roadside, drawing a handgun and shooting towards members of the public.

Police said witnesses had seen shooting both inside the mall and on nearby streets.

Stay indoors

Munich police are urging residents to stay home or seek safety indoors as they hunt for a shooter or shooters who attacked people at a mall.

In a statement, Munich police say "the suspects are still on the run. Please avoid public places." They urge people not to post tweets or post photos of police operations in the city.

Munich public transit operator MVG says all subway, bus and trolley cars have been shut down because of the police operation until further notice.