Zero risk does not exist and vigilance remains constant. Three men were arrested on Wednesday in Toulouse by the DGSI, France’s domestic intelligence agency. They are suspected of having planned a stay in Taliban training camps in Afghanistan.
“In the context of a preliminary investigation opened on January 20 for participation in a terrorist criminal association with a view to preparing crimes against persons, as defined in Article 421-1 of the Criminal Code, the investigations were entrusted to the DGSI. Three individuals were indeed arrested on Wednesday and placed in police custody,” the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) confirmed.
The men, all in their thirties and living in the Purpan and Papus neighborhoods of Toulouse, reportedly came to the attention of intelligence services after booking their trips. This concerning travel plan prompted law enforcement to carry out initial checks.
According to our information, several elements suggest that the individuals, all members of the same family, may have been radicalized. This planned trip to Afghanistan, an area under close surveillance since the Taliban returned to power, appears to amount to a project of military enlistment.
Seizure of Digital Devices
At this stage of the investigation, it is unclear whether the men intended to return to France after their trip abroad or whether they planned to take part in fighting in conflict zones. After an initial hearing in Toulouse, the three suspects were taken to Paris on Thursday for further questioning.
Their computer equipment and smartphones have been seized and are now in the hands of intelligence services for close examination. Previously unknown to specialized services, none of the three had any notable criminal record.
In Toulouse in particular, Islamist radicalization has been closely monitored since the first attacks carried out in March 2012. Following those horrific attacks, notably against the Ozar Hatora Jewish school, specialized services closely scrutinized the Toulouse Islamist network built around the so-called emir of Artigat and the Clain brothers.
This did not prevent part of that network from fleeing to Syria in 2013 and 2014 without being intercepted. Tragically, the Clain brothers, who were later killed in airstrikes in Syria, were linked to the Paris attacks, notably the Bataclan, which led to numerous investigations into the Toulouse network.
More recently, in July, a young couple suspected of planning an attack in France was arrested in western Toulouse. Once again, the DGSI transferred the suspects to Paris. A judicial investigation is currently ongoing at the Paris anti-terrorism unit.
