Abdelrahman
A tragic stabbing incident in Austria resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy and left five others injured, with officials confirming links to Islamist motives. The attack occurred in Villach, a town located near the Italian and Slovenian borders.
Authorities apprehended a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker at the scene of the crime. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner disclosed that an Islamic State flag was discovered in the suspect’s residence, while state police chief Michaela Kohlweiss noted that he had pledged allegiance to the extremist group.
During a press briefing on Sunday, Minister Karner characterized the incident as “an Islamist attack with ties to IS,” indicating that the assailant appeared to have been radicalized online in a remarkably short period. He emphasized that law enforcement and relevant agencies must take appropriate actions in response to the findings.
According to officials, the suspect held a valid residence permit, had no prior criminal history, and had not previously drawn attention from authorities. Earlier statements indicated that he possessed a temporary residence permit and was awaiting a resolution regarding his asylum request.
The attack took place around 4:00 PM local time (15:00 GMT) near Villach’s main square. Currently, three of the five victims remain hospitalized, with two reported in serious condition as of Saturday evening. In a courageous act, a Syrian delivery driver intervened by using his vehicle to thwart the attacker, potentially preventing further injuries.
This incident emerges amidst ongoing national discussions regarding asylum policies, following last year’s elections in which the far-right Freedom Party achieved unprecedented success. Although the party has yet to establish a coalition government, Austria’s President Alexander Van der Bellen is considering options, including calling for a snap election, forming a minority government, or involving other parties and experts in administration formation.
In response to the stabbing, Herbert Kickl, the leader of the Freedom Party, called for a stringent crackdown on asylum seekers, reiterating the need for stricter measures in the face of such violence.
