Turkey condemns Netherlands tram shooting

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

Turkey on March 18 condemned a shooting that had claimed three lives in the Netherlands.

"We strongly condemn the attack that took place today (18 March 2019) in the city of Utrecht, in the Netherlands regardless of the identity of the perpetrator and the motivation behind it," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Hours earlier, suspected shooter Gökmen Tanış allegedly opened fire on tram passengers at October 24 Square, killing three and injuring five others.

"We extend our condolences and wish fortitude to the families of those who lost their lives, and speedy recovery to those wounded," the ministry said, adding that Turkey was in "full solidarity" with the Dutch people and government.

Tanış was arrested soon after the incident, according to Utrecht mayor Jan van Zanen.

While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, earlier reports suggest that a family dispute may have been the motive behind the incident.