French police reported thwarting a planned bombing at the Bank of America building in Paris. The attack plot was disrupted before it could be carried out, with one of two suspects preparing the assault detained and the other fleeing the scene.
French authorities announced on Sunday the arrest of two additional suspects. A day earlier, one person had been detained following an attempt to place an explosive device outside the building. Prosecutors stated that the custody of the first arrested suspect has been extended.
The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. local time outside the Bank of America building, just a few streets away from Paris's iconic Champs-Elysees. Police officers spotted two men near the bank carrying a shopping bag. One of them had reportedly just placed a device consisting of an ignition system and a container full of liquid believed to be fuel and was about to ignite it when he was detained. His accomplice fled.
An initial assessment found approximately 650 grams of explosive powder in the device. The object was taken to a forensics lab for a full analysis. France's National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) told the Associated Press it launched an investigation into alleged terrorism-related offenses.
These include attempted damage by fire or by dangerous means, the manufacture of an incendiary or explosive device, the possession and transport of such devices with the intent to prepare dangerous damage, and involvement in a terrorist criminal association.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said in a statement on X: "Well done to the rapid intervention of a Paris police prefecture unit, which made it possible to thwart a violent act of a terrorist nature overnight in Paris. Vigilance remains at a very high level. I commend all security and intelligence forces, fully mobilized under my authority in the current international context."
AFP cited an unnamed police source as saying the first arrested suspect had been recruited via the Snapchat social media app to carry out the bombing in exchange for €600 (roughly $692). A spokesperson for Bank of America told AFP they were aware of the situation and in contact with French authorities.
French authorities have increased security measures around institutions and sites related to US interests and the Jewish community since US-Israeli strikes on Iran began last month. Personal protection for some exiled Iranian opposition figures has also been enhanced.
Source: www.dw.com