French security services have arrested a 20-year-old Afghan national on suspicion of terrorism, alleging he has direct ties to the ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) terror group.
According to France’s anti-terrorism prosecution (PNAT), the man was arrested last week in the city of Lyon. He faces serious charges, including “joining a terrorist organization” and “financing terrorism.” Following his arrest, he was placed in pre-trial detention.
The investigation has reportedly revealed that the suspect is a supporter of jihadist ideology and was in contact with ISIS-K. He is accused of not only helping to finance the group but also being actively involved in translating its propaganda videos and spreading them on social media.
The French newspaper Le Parisien reported that the man, who arrived in France from Afghanistan several years ago, was already under investigation for “glorifying terrorism” in a separate case.
ISIS-K is the regional affiliate of the Islamic State group, active in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of Central Asia. The group has claimed responsibility for numerous deadly attacks, including the high-profile assault on a Moscow concert hall in March 2024.
