Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico narrowly survived an assassination attempt on Wednesday (May 15) evening, undergoing a three-hour surgery following the attack, as reported by Western media outlets including Independent and France Twenty Four.

Deputy Prime Minister Thomas Taraba provided an update on Fico's condition, stating that the surgery went well and expressing optimism about his recovery. Taraba assured the public that Fico's condition is not life-threatening despite the severity of the attack.

The assault occurred approximately 112 miles away from the capital on Wednesday afternoon, with the assailant firing five consecutive rounds at Fico around 2:30 PM local time. Fico was swiftly transported to the hospital by helicopter following the attack, with the alleged attacker apprehended at the scene.

Reports from local media identify the 71-year-old assailant as a writer and political activist. Slovak President Zuzana Kaputova condemned the attack, describing it as a blow to the country's democracy. Leaders from around the world also voiced condemnation of the assassination attempt on Fico.