France: Police conduct raids in Dijon following recent violence June 19 /update 1

Event

French police have deployed approximately 140 personnel to the Dijon districts of Gresilles and Chenove on Friday, June 19, following recent gang violence linked to members of the Chechen community. Security personnel carried out a series of raids on Friday morning searching for weapons, ammunition, and narcotics.

A heightened security presence and associated overland disruptions should be anticipated in Dijon in the near term. Further unrest is also possible

Context

Violence broke out in Dijon on Friday, June 12, when at least 100 Chechen youths allegedly arrived in the Gresilles suburb seeking retaliation for an assault on a Chechen teenager. Video imagery on social media outlets showed individuals armed with iron bars, baseball bats, and firearms. On Friday, the group reportedly attacked a hookah bar in the city center where the Chechen teenager had allegedly been attacked. Clashes and unrest continued in the city through to Monday, June 15. Reports indicate the assailants destroyed security cameras and set vehicles alight. Calm has been restored since Tuesday, June 16, and local police arrested at least six people suspected to be involved on Thursday, June 18.

Advice

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