France thwarts ‘terror plot’ in Orleans

French police foiled a terror attack on police and army personnel in the region of Orleans, international media report.

According to reports two men, aged 20 and 24, were arrested on 19 December and were being held for questioning, with both being thought to have had contact with a Frenchman believed to be in Syria.

Speaking in the southern city of Toulouse, interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve said 10 attacks had been foiled in France so far this year.

Last month, France saw one of its worst attacks in history, when 130 people were killed throughout various locations and entertainment spots in Paris. France has since the attacks declared a state of emergency, and some 3,414 people have been detained so far according to reports.

Cazeneuve said that the investigation into the latest alleged plot will look into whether the Frenchman in Syria, thought to be a jihadist, ordered the attack.

He added that one suspect was reportedly unknown to police, while the other was a known petty criminal.

The BBC adds that one of the detainees has confessed they had intended to attack police officers, military personnel and anyone identified with the French state.