Terror Probe Launched After Gun and ISIS Flag Found Near Longuenesse Prison

Overview

• France’s anti‑terror prosecutor opened a flagrante delicto investigation into suspected terrorist criminal association and possession of a category B firearm in relation to a terrorist enterprise.
• Police stopping a vehicle near the Longuenesse facility found a loaded handgun, a bottle of hydrochloric acid and an Islamic State flag, and detained the two occupants.
• The SDAT, the DGSI and the Nord zonal police are leading searches and interviews, including a sweep of the prison and follow‑up raids.
• Media reports say up to six people are now in custody, including three inmates and an outside associate, and a second handgun was found during a search at a relative’s home.
• The CGT prison union cited a drone alert at the site and claimed materials enabling explosive fabrication were in the vehicle, while criticizing security conditions at the prison.