France Detains Teen Suspected of Plotting Embassy, Government Attacks

French authorities have detained a 17-year-old suspect believed to be planning large-scale attacks targeting embassies of Israel, Britain, and the United States, as well as French government buildings and media headquarters in Paris, and the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The teenager was arrested at his parents’ home in the Sarthe region after sustaining light injuries while attempting to escape. Investigators found a pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State group and a list of schools in Le Mans with quantities noted, possibly relating to materials for incendiary or chemical devices. The suspect reportedly confessed to plotting the attacks and expressed determination to carry out the plans, though no operational steps had yet been taken. French anti-terrorism officials have noted a rising trend in minors involved in radical plots, with 14 cases recorded so far in 2025, following 15 in 2023 and 18 in 2024. Both the national anti-terrorist prosecutors’ office and the suspect’s lawyer declined to comment on the case.