A suspected terror attack has been foiled in Paris after police arrested a man believed to be preparing to detonate an explosive device outside a US bank.
French authorities said the incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. local time on Saturday in front of a Bank of America building in the city’s 8th arrondissement, near the Champs-Élysées.
Security officials said the suspect was intercepted shortly after placing a homemade device outside the premises. The device reportedly contained several litres of flammable liquid and an ignition mechanism with explosive material.
The object was immediately secured and transported to a forensic laboratory for detailed analysis by explosives experts.
France’s national counter-terrorism prosecutor’s office has taken over the investigation and confirmed that the suspect is in custody.
Prosecutors said the case is being investigated as attempted destruction using dangerous means in connection with a terrorist enterprise, as well as involvement in a terrorist criminal conspiracy.
The Paris judicial police and France’s domestic intelligence agency, the General Directorate for Internal Security, are both involved in the ongoing investigation.
France’s Interior Minister, Laurent Nunez, praised the swift response of security operatives, noting heightened vigilance across Europe amid global security concerns.
He added that France remains on high alert as authorities continue to monitor potential threats nationwide.
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