Hostage Standoff at Hamburg Airport Continues for Over 12 Hours.
A tense standoff at Hamburg Airport in Germany has extended for over 12 hours, with hostage negotiations ongoing.
The situation unfolded early this morning, and authorities suspect it may be connected to a child custody dispute.
The Hamburg police maintain tight security around the airport, with traffic restrictions in place as the standoff persists. Airport access remains restricted, and the public is advised to avoid the area.
In the early hours, around 2 a.m. (IST), an armed individual breached the airport’s security gates by ramming a car through and firing two shots into the air. Additionally, two incendiary devices were thrown from the vehicle, according to a police spokesperson.
Law enforcement believes two individuals are in the car- a 35-year-old man and a 4-year-old girl. The vehicle was found parked beneath a plane on the airport grounds.
The police’s preliminary assessment suggests that the hostage situation may be linked to a custody battle. Information received from the girl’s mother indicated that the father had been in contact with her, and the situation escalated into an emergency.
Local news outlet NDR reported that the girl had been staying with her mother in Stage. The 35-year-old man from Buxtehude allegedly “forcibly snatched” the child, leading to the tense standoff at the airport.
Turkish Airlines plane and other aircraft were evacuated, according to reports by DW. Terminal buildings were cleared, resulting in the cancellation of over 60 flights today, affecting more than 3,000 passengers due to the ongoing standoff.
Authorities have mobilized a substantial emergency response presence at the airport. This includes psychologists and negotiation specialists who are in direct communication with the individual involved in the vehicle.
The situation remains fluid, and authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and resolution of the ongoing standoff at Hamburg Airport.
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