France: Gunfire reported amid large-scale gang violence in Dijon on June 15

Event

Gunfire and arson have been reported in the Gresilles neighborhood of Dijon on Monday, June 15, amid large-scale gang violence. Clashes have taken place over the weekend between alleged Chechen groups and local North African gangs. The disturbances were reportedly prompted by the assault of a Chechen teenager by a Dijon drug dealer on Friday, June 12. Multiple cars have been set on fire and several individuals have been injured. The Ministry of the Interior has deployed the Research, Assistance, Intervention, Deterrence (RAID) elite police force to Dijon in an attempt to disperse the gang members. Related clashes took place in Nice on the night of Sunday, June 14, where 50 armed men clashed in Liserons neighborhood. Police arrested 45 individuals, and three people were reportedly injured.

Further clashes are likely, and a heightened security presence in the area is to be expected in the near-term.

Advice

Individuals in Dijon are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid the Gresilles neighborhood as a precaution.