China ‘shocked’ as India condemns killings in US state of Louisiana

​​​​​​​By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - China expressed “shock” Thursday as India condemned the killing of at least 15 victims in the US state of Louisiana.

“We are shocked at the violent attack. We express condolences over the lives lost and sympathies to the family of the victims and the injured,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing.

China “opposes all violent terrorist acts targeting civilians,” read a transcript of Mao’s news conference.

Thirty-five others were also reported injured when a truck plowed through the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans around 3.15 a.m. (0915GMT) on New Year’s Day.

The area is popular with tourists and is a hotspot for celebrations around major holidays, especially New Year's Eve.

Police said the attacker drove onto a sidewalk and around a police car that was parked to block traffic from entering the area to carry out the attack. About 400 officers were deployed to protect the area.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the truck attack.

“We strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack in New Orleans,” Modi wrote on X.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. May they find strength and solace as they heal from this tragedy,” he added.

The FBI said it does not believe the attacker, who has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US citizen and Army veteran from the state of Texas, acted alone.

*Ahmad Adil contributed from New Delhi