Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Berlin Attack

Reports indicate that the Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Christmas market in Berlin, Germany's capital, on Monday, which left at least 12 dead. According to AFP, the ISIS-affiliated Amaq news agency announced on Tuesday, December 30, that 'a soldier of the Islamic State' carried out the Berlin operation, targeting citizens of 'coalition' countries. The statement did not provide further details about the perpetrator. On Monday, a large Scania truck sped into a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 people and injuring 48 others. Meanwhile, Germany's Attorney General's office announced on Tuesday that a suspect who had been arrested following the attack was released due to lack of sufficient evidence. It was previously reported that a 23-year-old Pakistani asylum seeker named 'Navid B.' was detained in connection with the Berlin Christmas market attack. According to Reuters, the Attorney General's office stated that the investigation has concluded with no grounds to consider this individual guilty. Additionally, German Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière stated that despite ISIS's claims, security forces are investigating several leads related to the attack. The Interior Minister emphasized: 'We have now heard the claims of the so-called Islamic State, a group that is essentially a terrorist gang.' German police officials say that the perpetrator of the attack is on the run and have urged the public to remain vigilant.