The Islamic State group has claimed that the 17-year-old Afghan who was shot dead after he attacked passengers on a train with a knife and axe in southern Germany was its fighter. German police shot him dead when he tried to flee after seriously injuring four people, PTI reported. Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said the boy lived in nearby town Ochsenfurt. The train that was attacked runs between German towns Treuchlingen and Würzburg.
Police did not comment on the motive behind the crime. “There are witnesses that suggest there may be an Islamic background to this but that is far from clear at this point,” Herrmann said.
The attack comes four days after a man drove a 25-tonne truck into a crowd watching Bastille Day fireworks in Nice, France. At least 84 people died in the incident.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!