Oct 05, 2010

French police arrest 12 in anti-terrorism sweeps

09:01 AM

Police have arrested at least 12 people in France in a roundup of suspected Islamic militant networks, including three men allegedly linked to recruiting fighters for Afghanistan.

CNN quotes Marseilles police as saying nine suspects arrested in southern France have links to an Islamist militant movement and were suspected of trying to obtain arms and explosives.

The arrests come amid a U.S. State Department warning to Americans in Europe to be vigilant of possible terrorist strikes.

The Associated Press reports that the sweep is part of two apparently separate counterterrorism case files.

AFP, quoting unidentified sources close to the investigation, reports that nine of the suspects were arrested early today in the port city of Marseilles and the nearby town of Avignon.

One of the sources said police seized some weapons, including a Kalashnikov rifle and a shotgun, as well as ammunition.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities ... m-sweeps/1