06/06/24
Paris 'terrorist' arrested after explosion at Charles de Gaulle airport as hotel evacuated
A suspected Russian-Ukrainian terrorist has been arrested in Paris after allegedly causing an explosion by the city’s biggest airport.
The blast at Charles de Gaulle led to the arrest of the 26-year-old, who has not been named, but who originally comes from the war-torn Donbas region of Ukraine.
It happened on Monday afternoon, just two days before world leaders including American president Joe Biden flew into the French capital in time for the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations.
The airport suspect suffered serious burns to the face and an arm but was afterwards able to communicate with officers from the General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI) – France’s domestic security service.
Anti-terrorism prosecutors were also informed, and a formal investigation was opened into a variety of alleged offences.
"Initial findings revealed products and materials intended for the manufacture of explosive devices on site," a source at France’s national anti-terrorist prosecutor's office told news outlet BFMTV.
"One of the improvised explosive devices exploded. The hotel had to be evacuated.
"The man, of Russian and Ukrainian nationality, who was conscious despite his injuries, explained to investigators that he had built homemade batteries for mobile phones when one of them exploded."
The batteries were covered in plastic, with a match, powder and barbecue lighters inside a package, said the source. As well as improvised bomb-making equipment, DGSI investigators found ‘multiple passports’ in the man’s luggage, he added.
The explosion was in an unidentified airport hotel in Roissy-en-France, and it was evacuated and then closed afterward. The suspect is said to be recovering well from his wounds, and cooperating with officials.
Anti-terrorism prosecutors confirmed they have opened an investigation into "participation in a terrorist criminal association with a view to preparing crimes of attacks against persons, possession of an incendiary or explosive substance or product or of elements intended to compose an explosive device with a view to preparing destruction, and damage or harm to people, in connection with a terrorist enterprise".
There have been numerous high-level warnings of potential Russian attacks on European soil throughout ongoing Russian-Ukraine war.
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