RIYADH — Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the terrorist attack that took place in the Australian city of Sydney, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of a number of people.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Kingdom’s firm stance against all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism.

The ministry expressed Saudi Arabia’s sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Australia, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

The condemnation followed a deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration held on a beach in Sydney, where two gunmen opened fire, killing at least 11 people and wounding dozens more.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as an act of antisemitism and terrorism.

Australian authorities said one of the attackers was shot dead by police at the scene, while the second was arrested and remains in critical condition.

Police confirmed that one of the suspects was previously known to security services, though there had been no specific intelligence warning of an imminent attack.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said at least 29 people were injured, including two police officers.

He added that investigators were examining several suspicious items, including improvised explosive devices found in one of the suspect’s vehicles.

The attack, which took place at one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, is the deadliest mass shooting in the country in nearly three decades.

Australia has some of the world’s strictest gun control laws, introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.

The Sydney attack comes amid heightened concern in Australia over a rise in antisemitic incidents over the past year, though authorities have not indicated whether the shooting was linked to previous attacks. — SG