France shootout: In a dramatic early morning confrontation in the Normandy city of Rouen, French Police shot and killed an armed suspect who appeared to be planning an attack on a synagogue, the Interior Ministry announced on Friday.
France Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin shared the incident on the social media platform X, stating that the suspect had been “neutralised.”
“In Rouen, national police officers neutralized early this morning an armed individual clearly wanting to set fire to the city’s synagogue. I congratulate them for their reactivity and their courage,” Darmanin said.
À Rouen, les policiers nationaux ont neutralisé tôt ce matin un individu armé souhaitant manifestement mettre le feu à la synagogue de la ville. Je les félicite pour leur réactivité et leur courage.
— Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) May 17, 2024
The ministry confirmed the suspect’s death in France but provided no further details at this time.
This incident comes amid rising tensions and anger in France over the Israel-Hamas war, with a notable surge in antisemitic acts in a country that hosts the largest Jewish and Muslim populations in western Europe.
Meanwhile, in the war front, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah recently conducted a drone attack on a military post in northern Israel, injuring three soldiers. One of the soldiers is seriously injured, the Israeli Army said.
Also Read: New weapons, tactics: Hezbollah’s message to Israel amid war in Gaza
This was the first successful missile airstrike launched by Hezbollah from within Israeli airspace, amidst increased hostilities between the group and Israel over the past seven months.
Hezbollah has intensified its attacks, introducing advanced weaponry and targeting deeper inside Israel, especially following Israel’s incursion into Rafah in the Gaza Strip.
Analysts suggest these attacks are messages indicating Hezbollah’s capabilities and willingness to escalate if necessary.
The recent incident featured a drone carrying missiles, occurring just days after Hezbollah fired anti-tank missiles at an Israeli military post that controlled a surveillance balloon, which was then shot down. Additionally, an attack using explosive drones targeted a base near Tiberias, although it did not result in any injuries.
The conflict has led to substantial casualties on both sides, with Hezbollah losing over 250 fighters and Israel losing 15 troops since the conflict began on October 7. To minimize its losses, Hezbollah has adapted its tactics by using drones and heavy rockets from safer distances.
Read all the World News, Business News, Sports News, Entertainment News, Business News and Opinion here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
