A nationwide manhunt is underway in France following the escape of prisoner Mohamed Amra, known as “The Fly,” after armed gunmen ambushed a prison van. The attack left two prison officers dead and three others injured.
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Mohamed Amra, 30, known as “The Fly” is suspected to be a figure in an international drug trafficking network. His criminal activities are kidnapping and murder case in Marseille, where he allegedly had ties to the city’s notorious “Blacks” gang.
The ambush occurred near a tollbooth in Val-de-Reuil, Normandy, as the prison van transporting Mohamed Amra was rammed by a black vehicle.
Gunmen armed with automatic weapons opened fire resulting in the death of two prison officers and injuries to others. Amra managed to escape with the attackers.
Prior to the ambush Amra had attempted to escape by sawing through the bars of his cell. This failed attempt made authorities to relocate him to a different unit with increased surveillance.
Mohamed Amra had a history of 13 previous convictions for minor offenses including driving violations and theft. His involvement in more serious crimes such as the kidnapping leading to death suggests connections to higher levels of criminal activity.
French authorities have mobilized several hundred police officers in pursuit of Mohamed Amra and his accomplices. Burnt-out vehicles used in the attack have been discovered.
Police are scouring the countryside and employing various investigative techniques to apprehend the fugitives.
Mohamed Amra’s family particularly his mother has expressed shock, stating they had no prior knowledge of his escape plans. The incident unfolded as Amra was being transported from a court in Normandy to jail.
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A car rammed his prison van at a toll booth followed by armed men opening fire on the vehicle leading to fatalities and severe injuries among the prison staff. This is France’s first fatal attack on prison staff in over three decades.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has mobilized approximately 450 gendarmes and police officers in search operation in the Eure department of Normandy.
President Emmanuel Macron assured the nation that every effort is underway to capture the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
French prison officer unions have called for walkouts across the country demanding measures to enhance staff safety. Work-to-rule protests have been staged at various prison and detention centers.
The slain officers, one of whom leaves behind a wife and two children, while the other was a 34-year-old expecting father, these are the human toll of this crime. Additionally, the three injured officers, all are fathers.
Mohamed Amra has a criminal record dating back to his teenage years with 13 previous convictions, primarily for minor offenses.
Despite being under high surveillance, he was not classified as a “radicalized” prisoner, according to police sources.
The nationwide day of blockades, dubbed “dead prisons day,” shows the anger and demand for accountability in the face of such violence.
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