Turkey condoles with Germany over ‘heinous attack’

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey on Sunday offered condolences to Germany after Saturday's attack in a western city that three people.

A van drove into a crowd in the German city of Munster, killing three people sitting outside a restaurant.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry released a statement early Sunday, extending condolences to Germany and to its people.

"We wish strength and fortitude to those who lost their loved ones and a speedy recovery to those injured by the heinous attack perpetrated in Munster, Germany," the statement said.

"We extend our condolences to Germany and to its people on this difficult day," it added.

German weekly Der Spiegel reported on its website that the suspected attacker was a German citizen Jens R. who suffered from psychological problems.

The attacker was found dead in the car, while the motive was yet to be ascertained, the police said.

Nearly 30 people were injured in the incident in the town’s historic center.

Six of them suffered severe injuries, and several of them were in critical condition, local media reported.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim also offered his condolences following the deadly attack, according to the premier's office.

Yildirim, who was on an official visit to Mongolia, sent a condolence message to German Chancellor Angela Merkel.