PARIS – France’s anti-terror police, PNAT, announced the arrest of a second 18-year-old man on Thursday, suspected of planning one or several attacks against people. The suspect was apprehended in an undisclosed holiday location.
This arrest follows the detention of another 18-year-old man on Tuesday in southwest France. According to PNAT, both suspects were in contact, communicating both in person and through social media networks.
The police did not indicate any direct link to the upcoming Olympic Games, set to begin in Paris on July 26. However, France remains on its highest state of alert as it prepares to host millions of visitors, athletes, and world leaders during the event.
“Investigations focus on one or several violent actions these young people were considering. At this stage we are trying to assess the reality of their plans beyond discussions conducted online,” PNAT stated. The heightened alert comes amid extensive security preparations for the Olympics, aiming to ensure the safety of all participants and attendees.