TOKYO, July 8 (CGTN) - The Japanese government confirmed on Friday that former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had been shot in the western region of Nara.

"Former Prime Minister Abe was shot at around 11:30 a.m. in Nara. One man, believed to be the shooter, has been taken into custody. The condition of former Prime Minister Abe is currently unknown," Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters.