Turkey sends condolences to Tatarstan over school shooting

By Merve Aydogan

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey on Tuesday expressed its condolences after an attack in a school in Kazan, Tatarstan's capital in Russia.

"We are deeply saddened to receive the news that an armed attack to a school in Kazan, capital city of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation, claimed the lives of many students, teachers and left some wounded," said a statement by the Foreign Ministry.

It added: "We ask Allah's mercy on those who lost their lives, wish a speedy recovery to the wounded and extend our sincere condolences to the friendly people of Republic of Tatarstan, the Russian Federation."

According to diplomatic sources, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu had also spoken to Tatarstan's President Rustam Minnikhanov over the phone.

Cavusoglu expressed his sorrow over the incident and conveyed the condolences of Turkey's president and its people, said the sources.

He also said Turkey was ready to support Tatarstan by any means if necessary.

At least nine people were killed and four injured in a school shooting in Kazan on Tuesday, the local emergency service said.

According to preliminary reports, two teenagers opened fire at a secondary school. One was arrested on the scene, with authorities searching for the other, the service said in a statement.

At least six of the nine killed were children, it added.