No casualties after explosion outside Russian consulate
On February 24th, an incendiary device exploded outside the Russian consulate in Marseille, on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. No deaths or injuries have been reported.
According to Asharq al-Awsat, two devices were thrown but only one exploded, requiring a bomb disposal expert to disarm the unexploded one.
The suspect fled the scene, causing an investigation to be launched, said an anonymous official. Authorities have not yet provided details on the suspect or a possible motive.
Marseille is France’s second-largest city and while having a fairly is diverse population, does not have an especially big Russian community. Many protests have been staged in France against Russia’s war in Ukraine, especially in large cities such as Paris and Marseille. The attempted attack came just after the EU imposed sanctions against Russia due to their actions in Ukraine.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson for Russia, Maria Zakharova described the events in Marseille as having “all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack.”
As well as this, the Kremlin is now questioning Frances security measures after the attack.
Asharq al-Awsat, Maghrebi, UNN
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