ISIS Terrorist Plot Foiled In Paris: Reda Kriket Charged After Unprecedented Explosives Arsenal Found
An ISIS Terrorist Plot was foiled today in Paris, when investigators discovered a large cache of weapons and explosives. Last week’s arrest of 34-year-old Reda Kriket in connection with terrorist bombings in Paris and Brussels led to a search of his apartment. Law enforcement officials found bomb-making materials including two types of explosives.
In Reda Kerket’s apartment, French officials found 500 grams of TATP and 1.3 kilograms of industrial grade explosives. TATP has been used frequently in the past by ISIS, Islamic State terrorists, according to ABC News. It is so much of a favorite of the group it is almost signature. Other items found in the apartment made it even more clear that the Paris officials had prevented a massive and imminent terrorist strike.
Kerket’s ISIS terrorist connections were also discovered, as incriminating digital evidence was found on two computers in his home. Data found showed links with Islamic State extremist groups. Other items found in the apartment included a cache of stolen passports and seven cell phones.
Along with the explosives, police agents found materials for making detonators, oxygenated water, and bottles of acetone. These chemicals are commonly used in bomb making. Also found in the cache were five automatic rifles and a number of hand guns, according to Daily Sabah.
ISIS terrorist groups have claimed credit for the recent attacks in Brussels as well as other attacks throughout the world in recent weeks. Authorities in other countries, including Turkey, have also managed to intervene and prevent attacks linked to these groups. Now, Paris has also thwarted a plot, but it is unknown what the target would have been.
Reda Kriket is a French National with known ties to jihadist groups. In July, 2015, even before the Paris attacks, Kriket had been convicted in absentia for recruiting for ISIS. He, along with Khaled Zerkini, the suspected ringleader of the Paris attacks, were tried, convicted, and sentenced to 10 years, even though they remained at large until Kriket was captured last week.
ISIS terrorist recruiter Reda Kriket, already convicted of recruiting prospective terrorists from among the French population, has now been accused of holding fake documents, planning an attack, and participating in a terrorist group. Kriket will remain in custody as the investigation continues and decisions about the trial are made.
It is believed that Reda Kriket traveled to Syria in both 2014 and 2015. He also made several trips between France, the Netherlands, and Belgium, according to Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins.
Three suspected ISIS terrorist operatives alleged to be involved in the plot have been arrested in connection with the ISIS terrorist cell Reda is involved with. They are being held in Belgium and in the Netherlands. In Brussels, two Algerians were arrested in connection with the plot. They have been identified as Abderrahmane A. and Rabah M. The third is Frenchman, Anis Bari, arrested and held in the Rotterdam.
French President Francois Hollande had proposed a law to revoke the citizenship of convicted terrorists. The legislation would have also strengthened the special police powers granted during a state of emergency. On Wednesday though, President Hollande withdrew the legislation due to differences between their two houses of parliament. The French state of emergency, however, has been extended until May 26.
Accused ISIS terrorist, Reda Kriket, will remain in prison until trial for possession of an explosives cache.
[Image by AP Photo/Francois Mori]
