UAE condemns deadly shooting in Montenegro

The United Arab Emirates has expressed deep outrage and condemnation following a brutal shooting incident in Montenegro, which resulted in multiple deaths and left dozens injured. The attack occurred in a remote area northwest of Podgorica, the nation's capital, and has left the community reeling.

In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) condemned the violent assault, reiterating the country's firm stance against any acts of terror and violence that destabilise peace and security. The MoFA also conveyed the UAE’s unwavering support for Montenegro during this difficult time.

In addition to condemning the attack, the UAE expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims' families and the people and government of Montenegro. The Ministry also offered wishes for the prompt recovery of those wounded in the tragic incident, affirming the UAE’s commitment to standing in solidarity with nations affected by violence.

A forensic technician walks on a street near the scene where a gunman opened fire at a restaurant and killed several people in Cetinje, MontenegroReuters

The attacker, named by police as 45-year-old Aleksandar Aco Martinovic, initially killed four people when he opened fire after a brawl at a restaurant in Cetinje on Wednesday afternoon. He then shot dead eight people, including two children, at three other locations, prosecutor Andrijana Nastic said.

The victims had close links to the gunman, police said. "All the victims were his godfathers, friends ... the motive is still unknown," national police director Lazar Scepanovic said.

It was the second shooting in less than three years in the same town 38 km (24 miles) west of the capital Podgorica. In August, 2022 a gunman killed 10 people, including two children, before he was shot dead.

Martinovic was cornered by officers near his home in the town and tried to kill himself, then died of his wounds on the way to hospital in the early hours of Thursday, Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic said.