The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a knife attack in Solingen, Germany, in which three people were killed and eight others were wounded. The perpetrator, described as a “soldier of the Islamic State”, conducted the attack in revenge for Muslims in Palestine. A 15-year-old has been detained, but the main culprit remains at large. The attack was labeled as an act of terror by the premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, with police conducting a manhunt for the assailant.
Authorities are treating the attack as a possible terrorist incident due to the lack of other motives for the attack. The assailant seemed to target the victims’ throats. Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for the swift capture and punishment of the perpetrator. The festival where the attack occurred was cancelled following the incident.
Fatal stabbings and shootings are not common in Germany, with the government aiming to tighten rules on knives after recent incidents. The city of Solingen, known for its knife manufacturing industry, was the site of the attack. The Mayor expressed shock and grief over the incident.
Authorities, including North Rhine-Westphalia’s interior minister, are investigating the attack as a targeted assault on human life. Despite the lack of evidence linking the teenager in custody to the attacker, efforts are ongoing to bring the main culprit to justice.
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