Egypt’s Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed El-Tayyeb condemned on Tuesday multiple terror attacks in the Austrian capital Vienna that killed at least five people, including the suspected attacker on Monday.
According to an official statement, El-Tayyeb expressed his condolences to Austria, hoping for a speedy recovery for the injured.

In the statement, El-Tayyeb prayed to God that “the world be rid from terrorism and its evils; with mankind enjoying peace, security, safety, and stability.”

Later on the day, El-Tayyeb posted a message on his social media accounts saying: "I was deeply saddened by the terrorist attack in the Austrian capital Vienna. This despicable act sadly turned a tranquil city into an arena for bloodshed and terror.

"I greatly sympathise with the victims of this attack and their families as well as all victims of terrorism around the world. I also call for a united international effort to combat terrorism, extremism and hate speech."

On Monday, an unknown number of gunmen carrying long firearms opened fire into crowds in bars during the last evening before a nationwide curfew was due to be imposed in response to a surge in Coronavirus cases in the country.

Police said the attack was carried out by at least one suspect who was shot and killed by officers.

Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said in a press conference that the known attacker was an Islamic State sympathiser.

It remains unclear if the suspect acted alone, as authorities continue to inspect over 20,000 videos to determine how many assailants were involved in the attack.