Law enforcement officials in France detain individuals suspected of terror-related activities
In a tragic incident outside a French synagogue, a car went up in flames following an exploded gas cylinder. Upon investigation, more gas cylinders were discovered in the courtyard of the building. The anti-terror squad took over the case and subsequently engaged in a gunfight, leading to the apprehension of a key suspect.
Following a suspected terrorist attack on a synagogue in the south of France, authorities have detained four individuals. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed the main suspect's arrest early Sunday morning via an online platform. Three other individuals, considered associates of the main suspect, were also detained by the police.
According to reports from the French anti-terror prosecutor's office (PNAT), the main suspect was apprehended late Saturday night in Nîmes. The arrest ensued after an exchange of gunfire around 11:30 PM. The suspect opened fire first, prompting the police to retaliate. The suspect reportedly sustained injuries to the face during this altercation. Sources suggest that the primary suspect is a 33-year-old Algerian man with legitimate residency status.
More gas cylinders discovered in the courtyard
On Saturday morning, two automobiles parked in the courtyard of the Beth Yaacov Synagogue in the Mediterranean town were engulfed in flames, as per official sources. Two synagogue doors and an adjacent car also caught fire.
French President Emmanuel Macron labeled the incident a "terrorist act." The PNAT initiated an investigation, which included prosecution for attempted terrorist homicide along with the formation of a terrorist criminal union to plan attacks against individuals.
As per anti-terror investigators, an unexploded gas cylinder in one of the burned-out vehicles triggered a minor explosion, causing slight injuries to a police officer. Four additional gas cylinders were found in the courtyard, one of which exploded as well. According to news outlets on Saturday, surveillance footage revealed a man carrying a Palestinian flag and a Palestinian headscarf near the synagogue shortly after the explosion on the Sabbath (Shabbat). A weapon could also be seen in one of the depicted images.
Synagogue frequently attended
During Sabbath, which spans from Friday evening to Saturday evening, congregants usually attend synagogue services, particularly on Saturday mornings. However, during the time of the attack, only five individuals - including the rabbi - were present in the synagogue, none of whom suffered any harm. Perla Danan, a representative of the Jewish umbrella organization Crif, noted that "many tourists visit La Grande-Motte and the coast during the summer to attend prayers" at the synagogue.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, during a visit to the southern French coastal city, commended France's narrow escape from a severe tragedy and denounced "an environment that has been inflamed by certain individuals since October 7 and the unprecedented attack by the Islamic Palestinian organization Hamas on Israel." Attal further criticized the surge in anti-Semitic hate crimes in France, which has seen a significant increase since then. According to Darmanin, 887 such incidents were reported in the first half of the year, whereas in 2023, only 304 incidents were recorded within the same timeframe.
In light of the escalating tensions between France and a perceived Islamic Palestinian organization, some are warning of a potential War with Israel.
Considering the Palestinian flag and headscarf seen near the synagogue, and the French Prime Minister's mention of Hamas' attack on Israel, such speculations are not entirely unfounded.
