An explosion occurred at the Russian consulate in Marseille on Monday, prompting Moscow to demand a thorough investigation. The Russian Foreign Ministry described the incident as a “terrorist attack” and called on French authorities to take immediate action.
Details of the Incident
According to Russia’s Consul General in Marseille, Stanislav Oranskiy, the explosion took place after two projectiles were thrown at the consulate. French media initially reported a blast near the Russian diplomatic mission, with emergency responders rushing to the scene.
Reports suggest that unidentified attackers hurled two Molotov cocktails inside the consulate. A stolen car was also discovered near the site. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. Local municipal police swiftly cordoned off the area to ensure public safety.
The incident coincided with the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, raising suspicions about its motive. The Kremlin responded by emphasizing that the Russian Foreign Ministry was working to ensure France prioritizes security measures for its diplomatic missions.
Memories of the Russian Embassy Attack in Kabul
The explosion in Marseille brings back memories of the attack on the Russian embassy in Kabul in 2022. In that incident, a suicide bomber killed at least six people, including two Russian embassy employees and four Afghan locals who were seeking visas.
The Islamic State (ISIS) had claimed responsibility for the Kabul attack, marking the first major assault on a foreign diplomatic mission in Afghanistan since the Taliban took power in 2021. Following the attack, the Kremlin condemned it as “absolutely unacceptable,” while the Taliban assured Russia of heightened security for embassies.
International Reactions and Investigation
With tensions already high due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the attack on the Russian consulate in Marseille raises concerns about diplomatic security in Europe. Moscow has demanded a full investigation from French authorities, who have yet to release official details about potential suspects.
Sources By Agencies
