France nabs 11 suspects in anti-terrorism operation

French security forces said at least 11 suspects belonging to France Shiite Muslim association were arrested in a recent anti-terror operation.

The raid was aimed to thwart terrorism attacks and uncover activities of the association leaders at the association headquarters, Zahra Centre in the north of France, French public television channel France 3 reported.

“Eleven people were arrested on Tuesday 2 October 2018 during a “terrorism prevention” operation conducted by about 200 policemen, aiming at a Shiite association and its leaders in Grande-synthe, in the north of France,” the French television said, quoting security sources.

It added that three persons were detained in police custody and illegal firearms were seized.

At the same time, the assets of the targeted association, the “Zahra France Centre”, were frozen for a period of six months, according to the French television.

The activities of the association are said to be “particularly followed because of the support of its leaders to several terrorist organizations advocating ideas contrary to the values of the Republic.”

The Zahra centre is one of the main Shiite centres in Europe. It hosts several associations among which the ‘ Party. anti-zionist “, the” Shiite Federation of France “or” France Marianne Télé.”

UM– USEKE.RW