French authorities have arrested three men suspected of advancing a jihadist plot that included plans to join ISIS in Africa and carry out an attack targeting the Jewish community.

The suspects were investigated by France’s domestic intelligence agency, the DGSI, and placed in custody after the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office opened a formal investigation into alleged participation in a terrorist conspiracy. The investigation reportedly began in July and centered on activity in a jihadist WhatsApp group called “Soldiers of Allah.”

Investigators are also examining a possible international connection involving one of the suspects and 35-year-old Jessica Bowie, who was arrested in the United States in August. According to the report, citing RTL and AFP, Bowie is suspected of plotting an ISIS-inspired bombing of the New York State Capitol.

French authorities are now investigating how advanced the alleged plot had become and the extent of any cross-border connections involving the suspects.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)