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France Arrests 8 Over Suspected Links to Jihad Recruitment Network

The French Ministry of the Interior said on Twitter that the suspects were arrested in Paris and Lyon.
Image: French soldiers patrol the Part-Dieu railway station as part of the \"Vigipirate\" security plan
French soldiers patrol the Part-Dieu railway station in Lyon as part of the "Vigipirate" security plan after last week's Islamic militant attacks, January 16, 2015. France deploys 10,000 soldiers on home soil and posts almost 5,000 extra police officers after the killing of 17 people by Islamist militants in Paris last week. REUTERS/Robert Pratta (FRANCE - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW MILITARY)ROBERT PRATTA / Reuters

PARIS — French counter-terrorism police arrested eight people on Tuesday suspected of participating in recruiting young people for jihad in Syria, the government said. The French Ministry of the Interior said the suspects were arrested in Paris and Lyon and are being questioned by authorities.

"The individuals arrested are...suspected of involvement in a jihadist network organizing recruitment and departures to Syria," the ministry added in a statement. The arrests come amid a new government initiative to combat radicalization and jihadism — along with heightened security — in wake of the deadly terror attacks in Paris last month which left 20 people dead, including three gunmen.

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