A SUSPECTED Russian-Ukrainian terrorist has been arrested in Paris after causing an explosion by the city’s biggest airport.
The blast at Charles de Gaulle led to the arrest of the 26-year-old from the war-torn Donbas region of Ukraine.
GettyAn explosion took place at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport[/caption]
AlamyCops have arrested a 26-year-old Russian-Ukrainian terrorist[/caption]
The explosive device used on Monday’s attack
The explosion happened in an airport hotel 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 unidentified hotel in Roissy-en-France, near the Paris airport, was evacuated and closed following the attack.
The suspect suffered serious burns to the face and an arm but was 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 case has also been immediately placed in the hands of the specialist anti-terror prosecutors rather than criminal prosecutors.
The suspect is said to be recovering from his wounds and cooperating with officials.
Anti-terrorism prosecutors confirmed they have opened an investigation into participation in a terrorist criminal association for preparing attacks, possession of explosives, or other elements for destruction or harm 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.
This week, France is hosting high-profile commemorations of the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy.
US President Joe Biden, Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and other leaders are expected to attend the main event on Thursday.
Paris has indicated that President Emmanuel Macron is also seeking to ramp up support for Ukraine, including military backing, moves that have angered Moscow.
ISIS could also be gearing up for a new wave of attacks after cops foiled 12 terror plots across Europe in the past year.
Fears are increasing the terror group could leverage the Middle East conflict to launch bloodshed in the continent and spark chaos.
Western intelligence has revealed cops stopped at least 12 terror attacks in the past 12 months. across Europe.
Ten jihadist attacks have been bravely intercepted and prevented in Europe last year, says Dutch intelligence agency AIVD.
Among the attacks foiled include stabbing rampages at global events, and barbaric assaults on specific venues and groups being targeted, the annual report revealed.
AIVD didn’t elaborate further on where the 10 attacks were set to take place.
ON ALERT
France has raised its security alert to the highest level in the run-up to the Olympic Games in Paris from July 26 to August 11.
Just last week, French security services foiled a plot for an “Islamist-inspired” attack which was planned for during this summer’s Olympic Games.
The country’s domestic intelligence agency arrested 18-year-old Rokhman B. who is suspected of organising an attack on a football game in Lyon.
The Chechen immigrant to France is said to have wanted to disrupt games planned in Saint-Étienne, a city in the east of the country, and “die a martyr” by killing spectators or police officers.
France’s interior ministry said he had been detained for “actively preparing an attack against the Geoffroy Guichard stadium [in Saint-Etienne] during the football games that will take place there.”
An investigating source said: “His first attack has been foiled.
“He is currently in custody and being linked to Islamist groups.”