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Explosive Devices Target Russian Consulate in Marseille

In a significant incident, three improvised explosive devices were hurled at the Russian consulate located in the southern French port city of Marseille. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries, as confirmed by a police source in France.

During the attack, which coincided with the three-year anniversary of Russia’s extensive military invasion of Ukraine, only two of the explosive devices detonated. Following the blasts, police cordoned off the consulate area, while journalists from AFP reported hearing additional detonations caused by a bomb disposal robot deployed to the scene.

Authorities are on the lookout for the perpetrator, who managed to flee the scene. An investigation into the incident has been initiated, with officials remaining tight-lipped about the suspect’s identity or possible motives, speaking on condition of anonymity in accordance with national police regulations.

Marseille, recognized as France’s second-largest city and a key Mediterranean port, is home to a multicultural population. However, it does not have a prominently large Russian community. Since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, France has witnessed a series of protests against the hostilities, with demonstrations taking place in cities such as Marseille and Paris.

Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry, characterized the attack as bearing “all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack.” This assertion reflects growing tensions regarding the conflict and its impact on diplomatic relations.

The French government promptly denounced the attack, reiterating the country’s commitment to protecting diplomatic missions. A spokesperson for the French foreign ministry remarked, “France condemns any infringement of the security of diplomatic compounds. The inviolability, protection and integrity of diplomatic and consular compounds and their staff are fundamental principles in international law.”

This incident underscores the ramifications of ongoing geopolitical tensions stemming from the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces on February 24, 2022, which has ignited the most significant conflict in Europe since World War II.

AP and AFP contributed to this report

Source
www.theguardian.com