Paris Attack: France Holds More Suspects 🇫🇷🚨

French authorities have arrested three suspects in connection with a foiled attack on Bank of America’s Paris offices. Police stopped an apparent bomb attack attempt early Saturday morning, arresting a man attempting to detonate a homemade explosive device.

Foiled Bank of America Attack

The incident occurred around 3:30 am local time in front of a Bank of America building in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, near the Champs-Elysees. Two further individuals were taken into police custody Sunday, according to the country’s anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office.

The custody of the first suspect, a minor, arrested Saturday has been extended. Under French law, suspects in terrorism cases can be held in custody for up to 96 hours, with possible extensions under judicial oversight.

An investigation has been opened into attempted destruction by fire or other dangerous means, as well as the manufacture, possession, and transport of an explosive or incendiary device.

Possible Iranian Involvement

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez pointed to suspicions involving Iran, but stated no conclusion has been reached. “In this type of conflict, you have a number of Iranian services that are likely to carry out actions such as these through proxies… There is a significant suspicion, but it is for the investigation to determine,” he said.

The Iranian embassy in France declined to comment on Nunez’s remarks.

The probe has been assigned to the Paris police judicial unit and France’s domestic intelligence agency.

Details of the Attempted Attack

Police intervened after a patrol protecting sensitive sites spotted two individuals placing and attempting to ignite an improvised explosive device outside the bank. One suspect was arrested at the scene while the second fled, Nunez told BFM TV.

“One individual was trying to light an improvised explosive device made with a container likely containing hydrocarbons and a crude ignition system, while another was filming,” Nunez said. He added that the device, though rudimentary, could have been lethal, and officers prevented it from being ignited.

Authorities believe the individuals were “common-law” offenders acting as paid intermediaries, a known tactic involving proxies recruited to carry out attacks. Similar incidents have been identified in several European countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Britain and Norway, targeting sites linked to U.S. interests.