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French authorities have arrested three individuals in Paris as part of an early intervention in what they believe could have become a terrorist attack. The arrests were made on Sunday and are part of an ongoing investigation led by the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT). According to officials, two of the suspects were found to be in possession of explosive substances and are being held on suspicion of participating in a terrorist plot.

The third individual, also an adult, is suspected of failing to alert authorities about the possible crime. All three men remain in investigative custody while the French security services dig deeper into their backgrounds and connections. Officials have yet to reveal whether the suspects were close to carrying out an actual attack, but early findings suggest the threat was credible.

This recent case highlights ongoing concerns across France and the wider European Union regarding homegrown radicalization and possible attacks planned by individuals inspired by groups like the so-called Islamic State (IS).

Main Suspect Allegedly Pledged Allegiance to IS

The main suspect is a 19-year-old man from northern France. French media outlets, including RTL and Le Parisien, report that he is believed to have expressed support for IS online. Police found several disturbing materials during a search of his residence. The most alarming discovery was a homemade explosive belt, which could have caused severe damage had it been used.

Investigators also say they found a written declaration in which the young man pledged loyalty to the Islamic State. This document, combined with his digital communications, raised serious red flags for authorities. The 19-year-old reportedly discussed attacking a public space, though the specific target has not been named.

Police believe he may have been planning to act soon, although they have not confirmed a timeline. His arrest led them to detain two others who are suspected of helping with the preparations or at least being aware of his plans.

Explosives and Online Radicalization in Focus

The case is now being handled under the framework of counter-terrorism laws in France, which have been expanded over the years due to the country’s history of terror attacks. The use of homemade explosive devices is not new in such plots. Investigators are also looking into how the suspect may have learned to create an explosive belt. Online radicalization and bomb-making tutorials have become a growing concern for European intelligence services.

French authorities have previously warned that radicalized youth, often operating alone or in small groups, pose a major threat. These individuals may not be in direct contact with organized terror networks but can still cause significant harm by acting independently, inspired by extremist ideologies spread through social media and encrypted messaging apps.

Defense Attorney Denies Allegations

Despite the alarming reports, the 19-year-old’s lawyer has pushed back against the accusations. Speaking to RTL, the defense attorney called the claims baseless and said his client is not involved in any radical activity. The lawyer argued that there is no concrete proof of an attack plan and warned against jumping to conclusions based on speculation.

Still, authorities remain firm in their investigation, noting that the presence of explosive materials alone is a serious legal matter. More information is expected to emerge in the coming days as prosecutors examine communication records, travel history, and any links the suspect may have had with known extremists.

France on High Alert for Lone-Wolf Attacks

France has faced several terror attacks in the past decade, many of them carried out by individuals acting alone. In 2015, coordinated attacks in Paris claimed 130 lives, and since then, the country has tightened its counter-terror laws and increased surveillance. While large-scale attacks have decreased, officials are now more focused on smaller, harder-to-detect threats posed by individuals who may be radicalized online.

The Islamic State group, though weakened on the battlefield, continues to spread its ideology globally. Its calls for lone-wolf attacks in Western nations are a key part of its propaganda strategy. Young people, often isolated and frustrated, are seen as particularly vulnerable to this messaging.

Europe Responds to Growing Threat

This incident comes as several European countries, including Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, step up their anti-terror efforts. Earlier this year, German police arrested multiple individuals suspected of planning IS-inspired attacks. Authorities across the EU are working more closely than ever to share intelligence and prevent attacks before they occur.

France, in particular, has passed laws allowing quicker interventions in cases of suspected terrorism. The country has also invested in deradicalization programs, though their effectiveness remains debated.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety

As the investigation continues, French officials stress that there is no immediate threat to public safety. However, they urge the public to remain alert and report any suspicious behavior. The suspects will likely face formal charges in the coming weeks, depending on the results of ongoing searches and forensic examinations.

This case is a stark reminder that the threat of terrorism, while evolving, has not disappeared. Authorities in France are committed to acting quickly on potential leads and preventing tragedies before they occur.