France: Police operation ends in Strasbourg December 13 /update 1

Event

A large-scale police operation in the Neudorf area of Strasbourg has ended as of 17:00 (local time) on Thursday, December 13. Local reports indicate police conducted searches of homes in the area but did not carry out any arrests. The gunman accused of perpetrating the December 11 shooting remains at large. A heightened security presence and lingering transportation disruptions are likely in the area over the coming hours. 

Context

A gunman opened fire on crowds near a Christmas market located on the Grand Île of Strasbourg at approximately 20:00 on December 11, killing at least two people and wounding 14 others. Interior Ministry officials confirmed military troops were deployed to secure the market and exchanged fire with the gunmen, wounding him, before he reportedly fled. The suspect had previously been flagged for radicalization by French intelligence services and antiterrorism police units have taken over the investigation.

Advice

Individuals in Strasbourg are advised to remain vigilant, report all suspicious objects and behavior to the police, anticipate localized transportation disruptions, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.