Two brothers in their 20s were arrested in northern France on suspicion of planning an antisemitic terrorist attack, French authorities said.
The suspects were brought before a judge on Sunday and are under investigation for conspiracy to commit terrorism and possession of weapons as part of a terror plot, according to France’s national counterterrorism prosecutor’s office.
The brothers, ages 22 and 20, were detained last Tuesday while sitting in a car near the Longuenesse detention center in the Pas-de-Calais region.
During a search of the vehicle, police discovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun with 9 mm ammunition, as well as hydrochloric acid and aluminum, materials that can be used to manufacture explosive devices. Investigators also found a flag of the Islamic State.
According to prosecutors, the suspects admitted during questioning that they had been exposed in recent months to large amounts of jihadist propaganda.
They reportedly told investigators that after realizing they could not join fighting in Syria or travel to “Palestine,” they decided to plan an attack inside France, seeking what they described as martyrdom.
The older suspect, Elias H., 22, is a student at an engineering school, while his younger brother, Mouad H., 20, is unemployed.
Both hold Italian and Moroccan citizenship. Their family moved to France in 2017 after spending several years living in Italy.
Prosecutors said investigators observed a clear escalation in the brothers’ radicalization and operational activity in the days leading up to their arrest.
Authorities found that the two had communicated through encrypted messages with various contacts in an attempt to obtain weapons, including handguns and assault rifles, raising concerns that the alleged plot was approaching an execution stage.
During a search of their home, police also discovered more than €7,000 in cash.
According to authorities, the suspects’ mother attempted to conceal an 8 mm handgun and dozens of rounds of ammunition. She was later released, though the investigation into her role remains ongoing.
Prosecutors have requested that the brothers remain in custody as the investigation continues into allegations of conspiracy to carry out a terrorist attack and possession of weapons for terrorist purposes.