Germany hunts Tunisian in truck attack

BERLIN—Germany on Wednesday launched a Europe-wide manhunt for a “violent and armed” Tunisian man with ties to Islamic extremists who has used at least six different names and three different nationalities, saying he is a suspect in the Berlin Christmas market attack.

German authorities had considered him a possible terror threat months before the attack, put him under covert surveillance for six months this year and tried to deport him after his asylum application was rejected this summer.

Authorities issued a notice to other European countries overnight seeking the arrest of 24-year-old Anis Amri, but initially held off on going public so as not to jeopardize the manhunt.

After German media published photos of him and a partial name, federal prosecutors issued a public appeal for the information.

“Caution: He could be violent and armed,” the notice warned. “A reward of up to 100,000 euros ($104,000) has been issued for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.”

A separate European arrest warrant from Germany obtained by The Associated Press states that Amri has at times used at least six different names and three different nationalities.

He was described as being of average height and weight, with black hair and brown eyes.

Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere cautioned that Amri’s involvement in the attack wasn’t yet certain even though documents in his name were found in the cab of the truck.