France: Two new arrests over foiled Bank of America attack

French  authorities announced on Sunday the arrest of two more suspects in connection with a thwarted attack on Bank of America's Paris offices.

Police said a day earlier they had detained one person following an attempted bomb attack outside the building. 

Another suspect managed to escape. The custody of the first arrested suspect has been extended, the prosecutors said.

What do we know about the failed bomb attack?

The incident took place around 3:30 a.m. local time (0230 GMT) outside the Bank of America building, just a few streets away from Paris' iconic Champs-Elysees, the French AFP news agency reported.

Police said they spotted two men near the bank carrying a shopping bag. One of them had reportedly just placed a device, consisting of an ignition system and container full of liquid believed to be fuel, and was about to light it when he was detained. His accomplice fled the scene.

An initial assessment also found some 650 grams (23 ounces) of explosive powder in the device. The object was taken to a forensics lab for a full analysis.

Authorities probe alleged terrorism-related offenses

France's national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office, or PNAT, told the Associated Press news agency it launched an investigation into alleged terrorism-related offenses.

These include attempted damage by fire or by a dangerous means, the manufacture of an incendiary or explosive device, the possession and transport of such devices with the intent to prepare dangerous damage, and involvement in a terrorist criminal association.

"Well done to the rapid intervention of a Paris police prefecture unit, which made it possible to thwart a violent act of a terrorist nature overnight in Paris,” Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said in a statement on X.

"Vigilance remains at a very high level," Nunez said. "I commend all security and intelligence forces, fully mobilized under my authority in the current international context."

Suspect reportedly recruited through Snapchat

The AFP cited an unnamed police source as saying the first arrested suspect had been recruited via the Snapchat social media app to carry out the bombing in exchange for €600 (roughly $692).

A spokesperson for Bank of America told AFP they were aware of the situation and in contact with the French authorities.

French authorities have upped the security measures around institutions and sites related to US interests and the Jewish community since US-Israeli strikes on Iran started last month. Personal protection for some exiled Iranian opposition figures has also been increased.

Edited by: Darko Janjevic and Natalie Muller