Two individuals, one French and one Libyan, were detained early today as they were poised to carry out an attack near a major Paris rail hub. Information gathered by workers familiar with the incident, relayed to a national newspaper, indicates the event unfolded at the Montparnasse station in Paris.
Authorities confirmed that the pair were taken into custody around 7:45 in the morning after entering the station with nine gas cylinders. Witnesses reported that they shouted a threat to cause destruction, a claim that has since been corroborated by investigative sources.
The suspects were identified as a 51 year old French citizen named Eric and a 29 year old Libyan national named Abdelwahed. They remain in custody facing charges related to terrorism based offenses.
Police found nine gas cylinders inside one of their bags. The cylinders were filled with gas, but investigators noted that the devices appeared to be nonfunctional and there was no indication that the individuals possessed a clear plan or the expertise to ignite them. The immediate objective during the operation seemed to be to project an impression of capability rather than to execute a practical attack.
In response to the incident, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin instructed the Paris Police Chief Laurent Nuñez to take immediate steps to reinforce security across all railway stations in the capital. The precautionary measures aim to deter similar plots and reassure the traveling public in the wake of the attempted threat.
Officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that the security services will continue to monitor potential risks in and around transportation hubs. Public safety authorities urged calm and reminded commuters to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The incident underscores the ongoing threat landscape facing urban transit systems and the persistent need for coordinated defensive actions across national and local agencies. [Source: Le Figaro]