ABU DHABI 8 April, 2017: The UAE has condemned the terrorist attack in Stockholm that killed and wounded dozens after a truck ran over a crowd in the Swedish capital, Stockholm.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation emphasised the UAE’s unwavering stance that rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It also called on the international community to stand united against these criminal acts that aim to spread fear and terror among innocent people, destroying the resources of countries.
At the end of its statement, the ministry stressed the UAE’s support for the Kingdom of Sweden in the face of this black terrorism, and expressed its sincere condolences and solace to the Swedish King, government, people and the victims of the criminal incident.
The ministry also wished quick recovery to the injured, said Wam.
Police are circulating a picture of a man in green jacket who they want to interview [see lead image]. Two persons have been arrested, said reports.
[STORY UPDATED AT 11:30 PM UAE TIME]
Video posted by BBC News on YouTube.
All trains to and from Stockholm canceled for rest of day
Sweden’s national rail company SJ said all trains to and from Stockholm’s central station would be canceled for the rest of the day as a result of the deadly truck attack in the city.
“No SJ trains will go either to or from Stockholm Central for the rest of the day,” SJ said in a statement.
Stockholm: Truck ploughs into department store; Swedish PM says it was a terror attack
Three people were killed when a truck ploughed into a crowd on a shopping street and crashed into a department store in central Stockholm, Sweden, on Friday.
Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said everything indicates that the incident- which occurred at the corner of the Ahlens department store and Drottninggatan, the city’s biggest pedestrian street- was “a terror attack”.
Shots were fired at the scene, though it wasn’t clear who fired them, Swedish broadcaster SVT reported. A worker at Ahlens store said the truck drove into the store’s perfume department and an alarm went off inside the store and everyone was asked to leave the building.
Live television footage showed smoke coming out of the upscale Ahlens department store on Drottninggatan Street, which the truck smashed into.
Prime Minister Lofven said one suspect was arrested. “We are thinking of the dead and the injured and their families. I am urging the public to be vigilant and keep updating the police,” he added.
“There are deaths, and many injured,” Nina Odermalm Schei, a spokeswoman for Swedish intelligence agency Sapo, told AFP, without giving a precise figure.
The Aftonbladet daily says Swedish beermaker Spendrups said its truck had been carjacked earlier Friday. Photos showed the beer truck sticking out of the Ahlens department store, according to AP.
EU offers Sweden support after Stockholm attack
The European Union offered Sweden support and solidarity on Friday following what the Swedish government said appeared to be a terrorist attack using a vehicle in central Stockholm.
“An attack on any of our member states is an attack on us all,” said EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker. “One of Europe’s most vibrant and colourful cities appears to have been struck by those wishing it – and our very way of life – harm.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with the people of Sweden and the Swedish authorities can count on the European Commission to support them in any which way we can.”
– By Sheena Amos