Turkey condemns terrorist attack in Vienna

ISTANBUL / ANKARA

Turkish officials have expressed solidarity with Austria in the aftermath of a deadly terrorist attack in the capital Vienna Monday night that killed at least three people and injured 15.

"Terrorism is the common enemy of all humanity. A sincere international cooperation is required against this scourge," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Twitter.

”Last night there were two heroes in Vienna. Recep Tayyip [Gultekin] and Mikail [Ozer] did what a true Turk and Muslim is expected to do!,” Cavusoglu said in another Twitter post.

“Gultekin and his friend Ozer were in Vienna's city center when they heard gunshots,” he related.

“Gultekin said they saw a gunman shooting a civilian passerby. Gultekin helped the injured woman but he got also wounded.”

In a separate statement, Turkey's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the terrorist attack.

“We strongly condemn this attack, extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded," the ministry said in a statement.

“As a country that has been fighting against all sorts of terrorism for decades, Turkey stands in solidarity with the Austrian people," it said.

Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Austria.

“We strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Vienna. We express our condolences for those who lost their lives in this cowardly attack and wish a quick recovery for the injured.

“We stand in solidarity with Austria. We will continue to fight against all forms of terrorism,” Kalin wrote on Twitter.

Communications Director Fahrettin Altun also denounced the attack.

“Turkey stands with Austria and against terrorism. We share your pain,” Altun wrote on Twitter.

At least three people died and 15 more were wounded in the terror attack in Austria’s capital on Monday evening, authorities have confirmed.

Seven of the wounded are in critical condition, including a police officer.