Turkey voices concern over mosque attack in Norway

By Busra Nur Bilgic Cakmak

ANKARA (AA) – Turkey on Monday voiced concern over the armed attack on an Afghan mosque in Baerum city, Norway.

“Deeply sad and concerned about the mosque attack in Norway,” said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Twitter.

“Thanking Prime Minister Erna Solberg for her sincere and courageous message against rising racism and Islamophobia in the world. Can only overcome this problem by fighting together,” he added.

A 21-year-old gunman on Saturday attacked the Al-Noor Islamic Centre in Baerum, around 20km from Oslo.

The attack took place one day before the Muslim religious holiday of Eid al-Adha.

"The attacker is Philip Manshaus, a Norwegian citizen known for his anti-immigrant and far-right views," local broadcaster NRK cited Oslo Police Chief Rune Skjold as saying.

The gunman was overpowered by people at the mosque before police arrived, Skjold said adding that Afghan national Mohamed Rafiq was injured while confronting the attacker.