Paris: French police successfully averted a potential bomb attack outside a US bank in Paris during the early hours of Saturday. Authorities arrested a man who was about to detonate a homemade explosive device, as reported by sources close to the investigation.
According to France24.com, the incident took place around 3:30 am (0130 GMT) in front of a Bank of America building located in the 8th arrondissement, not far from the Champs-Elysees. The arrested individual had placed a device, which comprised five liters of liquid believed to be fuel and an ignition system. The swift action of the police prevented the device from being activated.
France's counter-terrorism prosecutor's office has taken charge of the investigation. The office confirmed that a suspect was apprehended and is currently in police custody. They are investigating charges related to "attempted damage by fire or other dangerous means in connection with a terrorist undertaking" and a "terrorist criminal conspiracy." The Paris judicial police and France's domestic intelligence service, the General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI), are both involved in the ongoing probe.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez praised the quick response by the police, emphasizing the heightened state of vigilance due to the current international climate. The Paris police authority has not commented on the matter, while a Bank of America spokesperson affirmed their communication with French authorities.
French newspaper Le Parisien reported that the suspect was detained, while a second person managed to escape and remains at large. The explosive device included a five-liter container holding an unknown liquid and an explosive charge with approximately 650 grams of powder. This device has been secured and handed over to forensic experts for further examination.
A police source revealed that the suspect claimed to have been recruited via the Snapchat app to execute the bombing for a payment of 600 euros ($692). The suspect was on the verge of igniting the device with a lighter when apprehended. Another source suggested that the accomplice appeared to be documenting the event with a mobile phone.
The foiled plot is believed to be tied to the Iranian threat against American and Israeli interests across Europe, particularly in light of the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict. Recent incidents in the Netherlands and the UK, allegedly linked to Iranian operatives, have heightened concerns about potential attacks on Iranian dissidents, Jewish places of worship, and US-Israeli assets in Europe.