Knife attack near Suriname capital kills nine, including five children

At least nine people , including five children, were killed in a knife attack outside Suriname’s capital Paramaribo, police confirmed on Sunday, in one of the deadliest violent incidents in the country in recent years.

According to the Suriname Police Corps, the victims were neighbours and children of the attacker, indicating the violence occurred within a local residential area. Authorities said the suspect, an adult male, launched the attack before police arrived at the scene.

When officers attempted to intervene, the suspect allegedly tried to attack them as well. Police injured the man during his arrest, after which he was taken to a hospital, where he is currently recovering.

Officials said there is no indication so far that the attack was terror-related . Preliminary findings suggest the incident was an isolated act of violence , and investigators are treating it as a criminal case rather than an act of extremism. Authorities are examining the suspect’s background and possible mental health issues as part of the investigation.

The attack has shocked the small South American nation, particularly due to the number of children among the victims. Police said a detailed investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released once forensic and witness assessments are completed.