Four Muslims Killed in Series of Attacks in Albuquerque, USA

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Four Muslim men were consecutively killed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. The police are focusing on the possibility that the incidents are connected and have launched an investigation.

According to local media including CNN on the 7th (local time), Aftab Hussain (41), who worked at a neighborhood cafe, was killed on the 26th of last month in Albuquerque, and Muhammad Afzal Hussain (27), who worked as a planning team leader in Espa?ola, north of Albuquerque, was killed on the 1st of this month. Both men were from Pakistan and attended the same mosque (Islamic temple).

Then, on the night of the 5th, a Muslim man in his mid-20s, believed to be of South Asian origin, was found shot dead on a street in Albuquerque. The Albuquerque police, along with the FBI, are expanding the investigation, stating that there is "reason to believe" that all four Muslim murder cases, including Mohammad Ahmadi (62) from Afghanistan who died last November, are connected. The police reported that the three previously deceased were all shot and killed without any warning by the assailant who was hiding.

The Albuquerque Police Department has opened an online portal where citizens can upload photos and videos that may assist the investigation, urging Muslim residents to be especially cautious. Additionally, the Albuquerque Crime Prevention Committee has increased the reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect from $15,000 to $20,000 (approximately 26 million KRW). The largest Muslim organization in the US, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), has also offered a reward of $10,000 (approximately 13 million KRW).