Counter-terrorism operation in northern France: 11 Iranian-linked terrorists arrested

French police raided a Shia Muslim terror-club on Tuesday as well as the homes of members of the terrorist association, in a swoop that the local government prefect’s office said was prompted by serious suspicions of terrorist activities.

The operation involving some two hundred police officers, began around 6 am and targeted a club known as Center Zahra France and 12 of its Muslim members in an area called Grande Synthe, near Dunkirk and not far from Calais on France’s northern coast.

A security source told AFP that 11 Muslim terrorists had been arrested, while French authorities also froze the financial assets of the center, which is headed by Yahia Gouasmi, who is known for his anti-Semitic agenda and links to Iran and Hezbollah.

Police have been closely following the activities of the Zahra center “because of the strong support by its leader for several terrorist organizations and in favor of movements backing ideas that are contrary to the values of France”.

It was unclear whether the arrests were linked to a bomb plot thwarted in France by the Mossad, targeting a gathering an Iranian opposition group in June.