In a violent incident early Saturday, masked gangs armed with metal rods, fireworks, and petrol bombs clashed with police and attacked vehicles on a highway in Limoges, central France. Officials believe this attack is part of a turf war between criminal gangs.

Highway Blocked, Officers Injured

The attackers, estimated between 100 and 150 people, tried to block the RN141 highway. They disrupted traffic and attacked police with stones, iron bars, and Molotov cocktails. In response, police used tear gas and other crowd-control methods. Nine police officers were injured during the clashes.

Local police union leader Laurent Nadeau said, “There were between 100 and 150 masked individuals, armed and prepared.”

Mayor Calls It ‘Urban Guerrilla’ Violence

Limoges Mayor Émile Roger Lombertie called the attackers an “urban guerrilla” unit. He explained that their goal was not to protest but to cause destruction.
“This wasn’t a protest or demonstration. There was no message, no cause—just destruction and a show of force,” he said.

Families Targeted but Unharmed

According to prosecutors, the attackers targeted several vehicles, including cars carrying families with children. Fortunately, no drivers or passengers were physically hurt. However, many people were left scared and shaken after the attacks.

Violence Amid Busy Tourism Season

This incident happened during France’s peak summer tourism period. Just days earlier, violence had erupted in the nearby Val de l’Aurence area on Bastille Day, July 14. The mayor described that neighborhood as a “lawless zone” with a large immigrant population and widespread poverty.

No Clear Link to Drug Raids

While Limoges is known for drug-related crime, Prosecutor Émilie Abrantes said that no direct link has been found between this highway attack and recent anti-drug operations.

Government Plans Special Security Deployment

France’s interior ministry has announced that special security forces will now be deployed to Limoges to restore order and prevent further violence.