Three radical Islamists arrested in northern France over terror plot

French authorities have arrested three radical Islamists in northern France on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack.

During searches of their homes, investigators reportedly discovered a homemade explosive vest equipped with detonators, Caliber.Az reports via French media.

The suspects, aged between 19 and 24, are residents of the northern communes of Lille and Dunkirk. The youngest of the group is believed to be its ringleader. He allegedly used encrypted messaging apps to incite violence, calling on his accomplices to "drown the infidels in blood" and praising previous terror attacks in France. He had also come under police scrutiny in the past for issuing threats against Mila, a young French woman who was subjected to a campaign of online harassment and death threats following her critical remarks about Islam. Additionally, the suspect had pledged allegiance to the terrorist group Islamic State.

The arrests were made after a relative of one of the suspects alerted law enforcement authorities about concerns that the group might be preparing to carry out an attack. French police and the General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI) launched a raid, discovering that the suspects had been experimenting with explosives using fireworks. Authorities suspect the group was preparing to load the vest with more powerful charges. Internet search histories revealed queries about how to make high-grade explosives.

Investigators are now working to determine how close the suspects were to executing their plan and when the attack might have occurred. Preliminary findings suggest they were considering targeting public places, including a youth hostel, a restaurant, a nightclub, and a site linked to the Jewish community.

Two of the suspects remain in custody, while the third has been placed under judicial supervision. At this stage, he is only being investigated for "failure to report a crime."

By Khagan Isayev