President Aliyev expresses condolences to German counterpart following Magdeburg tragedy

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has sent a heartfelt letter of condolence to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier following the tragic incident at the Christmas market in Magdeburg.

In his message, Aliyev expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of several individuals, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

He wrote, “We were deeply saddened by the news of the tragic incident at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, which claimed lives and caused injuries. In the face of this tragedy, I extend my deep condolences to you, the bereaved families, their loved ones, and to the people of Germany on behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan. I also wish a swift recovery to those injured.”

The incident occurred on the evening of December 20, when a black BMW drove into a crowd at a Christmas fair in Magdeburg, injuring between 60 and 80 people and killing two. The driver was detained and identified as a Saudi Arabian doctor who has been living in Germany since 2006. Authorities have confirmed that the driver acted alone, and there is no further danger to the city.

Saxony-Anhalt’s Prime Minister, Rainer Haseloff, described the event as a “catastrophe” for the city and Germany as a whole. He also confirmed that investigative measures are ongoing.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his shock, saying, “The reports from Magdeburg raise the worst fears." German President Steinmeier noted that the incident had "suddenly interrupted the anticipation of a peaceful Christmas" and stressed that the motives behind the attack are still unclear.

Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt with a population of around 240,000, is reeling from the aftermath of this devastating attack.

By Tamilla Hasanova