Slovak PM Fico awake after surgery

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is conscious after hours of surgery following an assassination attempt, according to Slovak media outlets TA3 and Dennik, citing dpa. The 59-year-old was targeted on Wednesday and airlifted to a Banska Bystrica hospital from Handlová, where the shooting took place. Defense Minister Robert Kalinak reported on Wednesday evening that Fico was still in surgery and in critical condition. Later, Vice Prime Minister Tomas Taraba stated Fico was no longer in life-threatening condition. Fico was hit by five bullets, with at least one to the abdomen as reported by eyewitnesses to CNN. An arrest has been made of a 71-year-old suspect, according to Slovak media, but not yet confirmed by authorities. The shooting, carried out at close range, is believed to have a political motive, says the Interior Minister.