ISIL has claimed responsibility for a stabbing attack in Solingen, Germany, that left several people injured, intensifying concerns about terrorism in Europe

As per the Amaq news site of the group, ISIL (ISIS) has taken responsibility for a knife assault in Solingen, Germany that resulted in three deaths and eight injuries.

The group released a statement on Saturday, indicating that the attacker was focused on harming Christians and identified as an “Islamic State soldier.” The motive for the attack purportedly stemmed from seeking justice for Muslims in Palestine and beyond.

On Friday evening, during the celebrations commemorating Solingen’s 650th anniversary at a central square, thousands of people witnessed an attack in which three individuals were killed – one woman and two men.

At a news conference on Saturday, Markus Caspers of the public prosecutor’s office counterterrorism section announced that despite their efforts, authorities have been unable to identify the culprit.

Caspers stated that while a motive has not yet been determined, after considering all the circumstances, the possibility of terrorism cannot be dismissed. However, he did not provide additional information.

Police arrested a teenage boy aged 15 during the early hours of Saturday following information provided by two female witnesses. These witnesses claimed to have overheard a conversation between the suspect and an unidentified individual discussing plans that aligned with the subsequent attack.

According to the German news agency DPA, a raid was conducted by police, including special forces, at a residence for asylum seekers located in Solingen’s city centre.

According to a spokesperson for the police, they are presently engaged in law enforcement due to receiving tips.

On Friday night, the chief of operations for German police named Thorsten Fleiss acknowledged that consolidating available evidence and testimonies from witnesses to form a comprehensive understanding posed a significant hurdle.

Until the culprit is apprehended, individuals have been advised by law enforcement to remain alert.

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On Saturday evening, Solingen received a visit from Nancy Faeser, Germany’s Minister of the Interior and Community. Faeser pledged that the government would provide all possible support to both the city and its citizens.

Appearing alongside Minister-President of the State of North Rhine Westphalia Hendrik Wust and State Minister for Internal Affairs Herbert Reul, she declared that our society will not be divided by such a horrific attack.

Although Wust characterized the incident as “a terroristic assault on this nation’s security and liberty,” Faeser, the state’s primary law enforcement officer, has not labelled it a terrorist attack.

Once wielding control over vast expanses in Iraq and Syria while orchestrating numerous fatal assaults worldwide, ISIL met its decline after suffering a territorial loss in 2017. The group’s oppressive reign crumbled as the Iraqi government along with various factions involved in the Syrian civil war successfully eliminated all areas previously commandeered by them.

Previously, the group has taken credit for attacks such as the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting that it did not actually carry out.

On Saturday, the square in Solingen was cordoned off by police while candles and flowers were placed outside the barriers by passers-by.

An online portal was set up by the authorities to allow witnesses to upload footage and other relevant information regarding the attack. Furthermore, churches in Solingen made themselves available for prayer and emergency pastoral care services.

Mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach expressed to reporters that there was an overwhelming feeling of shock and sorrow.

The Festival of Diversity started on Friday in celebration of Solingen’s 650th anniversary. It was scheduled to continue until Sunday, featuring various entertainment acts like live music, cabaret performances and acrobatic displays across multiple stages located along the city’s central streets.

The festival has been cancelled in its entirety by the authorities.

Source: News Agencies