PARIS — An incendiary gadget exploded outdoors the Russian Consulate in Marseille early Monday, authorities mentioned, on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. No accidents had been reported.
A second gadget, which was additionally thrown in opposition to the consulate’s outer wall, didn’t explode and fell to the sidewalk. A bomb disposal knowledgeable was known as to the scene.
The suspect fled and an investigation has been launched, an official mentioned on situation of anonymity as a result of they weren’t licensed to be publicly named by nationwide police coverage. Authorities didn’t present particulars on the suspect or a motive.
Marseille, France’s second-largest metropolis and a significant Mediterranean port, is house to a various inhabitants however doesn’t have a notably giant Russian neighborhood. France has seen a number of protests in opposition to Russia’s conflict in Ukraine since 2022, together with demonstrations in Marseille, Paris, and different cities.
Russian International Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova mentioned the incident in Marseille has “all of the hallmarks of a terrorist assault.”
