A devastating shooting in the small town of Cetinje, Montenegro, left 10 people dead, including two children, before the attacker succumbed to self-inflicted wounds late Wednesday, authorities confirmed.
Montenegro’s Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic identified the shooter as 45-year-old Aleksandar Martinovic.
After opening fire in a local bar following a dispute, Martinovic reportedly moved to the street, where he continued his rampage, killing 10 people and injuring four others.
Police launched a large-scale operation to apprehend Martinovic, deploying special forces in the search effort.
He was later found near his home, having attempted suicide. Martinovic succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.
Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic expressed his shock and sorrow over the tragedy, describing it as a somber end to the holiday season. Prime Minister Milojko Spajic visited the injured in the hospital and declared three days of national mourning.
Authorities reported that the incident began with a dispute in a bar before escalating to the street, where Martinovic indiscriminately opened fire, killing the two children.
Although mass shootings are rare in the country, Montenegro has struggled with the proliferation of illegal firearms across the Western Balkans, a legacy of conflicts dating back to the early 20th century.
Despite strict gun ownership laws, the region continues to grapple with challenges related to illicit arms circulation.
Follow the latest news on Google News
