Paris, France: In a brazen and deadly assault, three French prison guards lost their lives while three others sustained grave injuries after a group of four armed assailants, wielding Kalashnikovs, launched an audacious attack on a prison van near Paris, in the vicinity of Incarville.
The targeted attack was orchestrated during the transportation of the notorious gang leader known as Mohamed “The Fly,” who successfully evaded captivity amidst the chaos, igniting a large-scale manhunt across the region.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin swiftly responded to the incident, asserting, “All means are being utilized to track down these criminals.” He further disclosed the mobilization of several hundred police officers and gendarmes under his directive to aid in the pursuit.
The assault unfolded at approximately 0900 GMT, as the prison van traversed a toll booth in Incarville, situated in the northern Eure region of France. The inmate, along with the attackers, absconded from the scene, leaving behind a scene of devastation.
Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti condemned the heinous act, vowing relentless efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. “Absolutely everything will be done to locate those responsible for this despicable crime,” he affirmed during an interview with BFM TV. “These are individuals devoid of regard for human life. They will be apprehended, tried, and duly punished for their reprehensible actions.”
Social media platforms were inundated with images depicting the aftermath of the ambush, showcasing armed individuals clad in balaclavas amidst the wreckage of a flaming SUV. The vehicle, evidently utilized in the attack, had forcibly collided with the prison van, exacerbating the intensity of the assault.
The incident unfolds against a backdrop of escalating drug-related violence pervading Europe, exacerbated by an influx of cocaine in recent years. Marseille, in particular, has emerged as a focal point for gang-related activities, with turf wars among trafficking factions intensifying.
Reports from local media outlets have identified the fleeing inmate as 30-year-old Mohamed A., further fueling concerns regarding the operational capacity and reach of organized criminal networks within the region.
As the manhunt intensifies, authorities remain resolute in their commitment to apprehend the perpetrators and restore a sense of security to the embattled communities affected by the brazen attack.
