Vienna terrorist attack: At least two dead, 15 injured after shootings across six locations of the Austrian capital

Two people, one of them an attacker, were killed in exchanges of gunfire in the centre of the Austrian capital, Vienna.

According to the police,15 others, including at least one police officer,  were seriously injured in exchanges of gunfire. While, seven victims are reported to be in critical condition.

As being reported, the shootings took place near the central synagogue but it is yet not clear if that was the target.

On Monday night, several gunmen opened fire in six different locations in central Vienna. The attack began just hours before Austria was due to impose new coronavirus lockdown.

A large area of the city has been cordoned off as police search for the other gunmen.

Austrian chancellor, Sebastian Kurz has termed the incident as a “repulsive terror attack”.

“We have become victims of a repulsive terror attack in the capital that is ongoing,” Kurz said in a press conference.

“We are currently experiencing difficult hours in our republic. I would like to thank all the emergency forces who are risking their lives for our safety, especially today. Our police will take decisive action against the perpetrators of this repulsive terrorist attack”, he added.

Kurz added the the army would protect sites in the capital so the police could focus on anti-terror operations. Speaking to the Austrian broadcaster ORF.

He further added that the attackers “were very well equipped with automatic weapons” and had “prepared professionally”.

ORF reported, that one attacker was shot dead by police. According to government sources, the slain terrorist was carrying an explosive belt and a bag filled with ammunition.

But several other gunmen were still on the loose on Monday night, and Karl Nehammer, the interior minister, said they were “heavily armed and dangerous”.