A notorious gangster named Mohamed Amra was violently rescued from a prison convoy by four gunmen, resulting in the deaths of two officers and injuries to three others.
According to reports from France’s Le Parisien, the jailbreak targeted 30-year-old Amra, known as ‘The Fly’, who had been convicted of burglary and faced additional charges related to kidnapping, homicide, and drug trafficking. Amra had previously attempted to escape and was under high security.
The attack occurred as the convoy was transporting Amra from court to prison, with two vehicles ambushing the convoy at a toll booth. The gunmen rammed the lead vehicle before fleeing in a third vehicle, abandoning and setting fire to their initial getaway car.
Video footage of the attack, shared on social media, showed armed men in hoodies laughing as they carried out the violent rescue. The French National Office for the Fight against Organized Crime has taken over the investigation, focusing on charges of murder, attempted murder, and weapons possession.
Political leaders in France have condemned the attack, with Prime Minister Gabriel Attal calling it an “incredibly violent” act by “brutal” perpetrators. President Emmanuel Macron vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, while the Minister of Justice stated that they would face severe punishment.
To aid in the search for Amra and his accomplices, the French government has activated a state of emergency known as Operation Sparrowhawk, mobilizing hundreds of officers to track down the escaped convict and gunmen.
The situation is ongoing and continues to develop.