A powerful explosion occurred in central Monaco near the entrance of an apartment building in the evening hours. Two people were seriously injured and taken to hospital.
Monaco's Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, told BFMTV that two of the injured are in critical condition. Mirmand also stressed that nothing like this has ever happened in the principality before.
A Reuters report citing the French newspaper Le Figaro said security camera footage shows a man leaving a backpack at the scene shortly before the explosion.
France's Interior Ministry announced that French and Monegasque authorities have joined forces and are conducting a joint operation to capture the suspect. Emergency response teams were sent to the area from France.
The Monaco prosecutor's office described the explosive device as a "package bomb." The investigation into the incident is ongoing in multiple directions.
Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti condemned the attack in a post on his social media account, saying, "Tonight's attack is a tragedy that has struck Monaco. Our prayers are with the victims, their families and the people of Monaco. We give our full support to the security forces and emergency services."
Menton Mayor Alexandra Masson also issued a message of support to Monaco, saying, "I send my warmest wishes to the victims and their loved ones."