Authorities say attacker opened fire at a transport hub before fleeing and later dying in an exchange of gunfire
ASSIUT: Eight people were killed and five others injured after a gunman opened fire in Egypt’s southern Assiut province before security forces tracked him down and killed him following a confrontation, authorities said.
The attack took place on Monday in the Abanoub area, where the suspect allegedly launched the assault from a vehicle at a crowded transport hub. The incident caused panic among people in the area as emergency responders and security personnel rushed to the scene.
According to Egypt’s Interior Ministry, authorities immediately launched a search operation after receiving reports of the shooting. Security teams moved quickly to identify the suspect; however, he escaped from the area and fled toward nearby farmland.
Meanwhile, law enforcement personnel continued their pursuit and eventually located the suspect after surrounding the area. Officials said the man realized security forces had tightened the security cordon around him, which led to an exchange of gunfire.
Consequently, security personnel shot and killed the suspect during the confrontation, bringing the operation to an end. Authorities have not released further details regarding additional individuals potentially linked to the incident.
Initial investigations also indicated that the attacker had previously received treatment at a psychiatric hospital in Cairo. However, officials did not announce a motive behind the shooting.
Furthermore, videos shared across social media appeared to show ambulances arriving at the location as crowds gathered nearby. One clip also appeared to show a man believed to be the attacker standing beside a vehicle while carrying a rifle and wearing traditional Egyptian clothing.
