Insights

Finland witnesses first ever terror attack

On 18 August, two women were killed and eight others were wounded, after 18-year-old Moroccan Abderrahman Mechkah stabbed them in a knife attack at Turku Market Square. The attack is being treated as a terrorist attack. Mechkah was shot in the leg by armed police and is currently in hospital. During the attack, he appeared to only be targeting women. The attack marks Finland’s first ever terrorist attack in modern history. Mechkah had lived in Turku's immigration centre after arriving in Finland last year, but had reportedly recently had his asylum application denied. Although no group has yet claimed responsibility for Friday's attack, Finnish police are investigating possible links to Thursday's deadly van attack carried out by Islamic State (IS) militants in the Spanish city of Barcelona, in which 13 people were killed. On 21 August, one person was killed and another injured after a man drove his vehicle into them in the French city of Marseilles.

It is advisable to be aware of the serious threat of Islamic extremism and terrorism in Western countries. Take care in densely populated tourist areas. Report any suspicious packages, activity or behaviour to the local authorities and remain vigilant.