Key Takeaways:
– Migrant survivor shares harrowing account of shooting at French refugee camp
– Two migrants and two security guards killed in the attack
– Unidentified gunman fired about 15 bullets, then turned himself into local police
– Motives behind the attack remain unknown
– Incident raises safety concerns for refugees living in Loon-Plage
Details of the Attack
A nightmarish scenario unfolded in a French refugee camp close to Loon-Plage, near Dunkirk, when a French gunman opened fire on unsuspecting migrants. According to Matin, a 25-year-old Kurdish migrant survivor, a man shockingly turned a regular evening into a bloodbath.
Matin recollected, “A guy came with a shotgun and showered us with bullets.” Initially thinking the assailant would fire shots in the air, the group were victims of the violence. He hauntingly described the experience as seeing “Azrael [the Islamic Angel of Death]”. The two victims, Hamid and Hadi, died on the spot while Matin and another friend Rashad survived.
Survivors’ Ordeal
The group of friends, all around their mid-20s, had just gone through a life-threatening situation themselves. They had been rescued by French police from the English Channel when their dinghy collapsed en route to Britain.
Returning to land for dry clothes after a near-death experience in the sea, they were met by another harrowing incident. Matin admitted, “In one day, we saw death twice”. He also revealed about some 15 bullets were fired, one of which hit his friend, Hamid. Matin and Rashad, fortunately, found places to hide.
Gunman’s Surrender
The chilling incident saw its closure when a 22-year-old man turned himself in at the nearby Ghyvelde police station. French authorities discovered additional weapons in his possession. Despite the surrender, the motive behind the senseless violence remains unclear as investigations continue.
Location and Migrant Situation
Loon-Plage, the site of the attack, lies near Calais and the Strait of Dover, a common pathway for refugees. The area is often a temporary home for migrants, predominantly Kurdish or Afghan, who are en route to England from Mainland Europe.
Close quarters and the presence of many families with small children have prompted humanitarian aid from organizations like Care4Calais. The recent shooting has amplified concerns regarding the safety and security of these vulnerable migrants.
Uncertainty Prevails
Despite the apprehension of the gunman, uncertainty and fear pervade the camp. This incident underscores the high-risk conditions refugees face even upon reaching what they perceive as safer lands. Even as the assailant faces justice, the surviving victims and their community grapple with the aftermath of the senseless violence.
In conclusion, while this horrific incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers faced by migrants, it further emphasizes the global need to address refugee safety and wellbeing. Authorities indeed need to reassess the current protection measures and introduce stringent actions safeguarding these vulnerable communities.