Insights

France issues terror alert after two attacks in one day

On 16 March, one person was wounded when a small letter bomb exploded at the offices of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on 66 Avenue d’lena in Paris’s 16^th arrondissment. The attack comes a day after an explosive package was found at the offices of Germany’s finance minister, Wolfgang Schäuble. Berlin police said on Wednesday the package contained an “explosive mix” that was designed to cause “severe injuries”. A Greek militant group claimed responsibility for the parcel bomb. Later that day, several people were injured after a gunman, armed with three guns and two grenades, attacked a high school in the French town of Grasse. Three people were shot, but none are said to have been fatally injured. Police have arrested a 17-year-old suspect who was carrying a rifle, two handguns and two grenades. Officials believe he had watched American-style mass shooting videos prior to the attack, as the internet has shown the assailant to have watched footage with this content. However, the motive behind the attack has not yet been established. The government issued a nationwide terrorist attack warning to smartphones after the shooting and police urged local residents to stay indoors.

Those who plan to travel to or within France are advised to be aware of the latest incidents. Report any suspicious packages, activity or behaviour to the local authorities and remain vigilant.