MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The two of the detainees reportedly tried to purchase weapons in order to commit terrorist acts in nightclubs. The arrests were made as part of a preliminary anti-terrorist investigation started back in 2015, according to the FranceTV broadcaster, citing sources in the prosecutor's office.
Large parts of Syria and neighboring Iraq are controlled by the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group, which is outlawed in Russia and many other countries. The group is notorious for committing many human rights atrocities, as well as for recruiting foreign fighters, including westerners.
On November 13, a series of terrorist attacks in Paris claimed the lives of some 130 people. IS claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Following the attacks, a state-of-emergency was declared across the country. President Francois Hollande is seeking parliamentary approval to prolong the state of emergency, which will be put to a vote at the end of the month.
