French security forces arrested six people in connection with a terror plot targeting a synagogue in the country. France’s counterterrorism prosecutor said Saturday night that the suspects were arrested and are expected to stand trial for planning the attack, which was foiled earlier this month. According to authorities, the plot is likely linked to Islamic extremism threatening Jewish communities.
The arrests were carried out as part of a targeted operation by law enforcement, part of efforts to thwart threats against Jewish institutions. The detainees were transferred to security services for interrogation, which is examining the scope of the plot, the connections between cell members, and the possibility that additional people were involved in the planning. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing to reach all members of the network.
The arrests come amid continued high alert in France following a series of security incidents in recent weeks. Earlier this month, some 300 people were evacuated from the town of Sarcelles, north of Paris, after a stolen vehicle containing weapons was found near a synagogue. In a search of the trunk, police found a rifle loaded with seven bullets and a pistol loaded with ten additional bullets.