Jordan condemns stabbing attack in Austria

AMMAN — The Foreign Ministry on Sunday condemned the stabbing attack in the Austrian city of Villach, which resulted in one death and several injuries.

Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah expressed Jordan's unwavering solidarity with Austria, offering full support to both the Austrian government and its people in the wake of this tragic incident.

He reiterated Jordan's firm stance against all forms of violence and terrorism that jeopardise security and stability, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Qudah also extended heartfelt condolences to the Austrian government, the people of Austria, and the family of the victim, wishing a swift recovery to those injured in the attack.

A 14-year-old boy died and four other people were injured in a knife attack in southern Austria on Saturday, police said, adding they have arrested a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker, AFP reported.

"A man randomly attacked passers-by with a knife," police spokesman Rainer Dionisio told AFP of the incident in the city of Villach.

"One victim, a 14-year-old boy, died," he added.

Two other men suffered serious injuries, while another two men were lightly injured, Dionisio added.

The incident happened on Saturday just before 4 pm local time (1500 GMT) in the centre of the city, the capital of Carinthia province.

A food delivery rider saw the attack and rammed his vehicle into the attacker, who was lightly injured and was arrested "right after the attack", according to Dionisio.

The man under arrest is a Syrian asylum seeker with a valid residence permit and without a criminal record according to preliminary information, he added.

The youngest victim was a 14-year-old, while the oldest is 32 years old, he said.