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France Confronts Youth-Led 'Atmospheric Jihadism' as Security Tightens Before Nov. 13

Authorities and researchers say the threat now stems largely from youths radicalized on social networks who can act alone without direction.

Overview

  • Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez says the terror risk is very high, with vigilance reinforced ahead of the 10th anniversary commemorations of the 13‑November attacks.
  • Experts including Gilles Kepel and Alexandre Rodde describe a shift from foreign-directed plots to decentralized, affinity-based networks fueled by online propaganda.
  • DGSI data indicate that nearly 70% of terrorism suspects arrested since 2023 are under 21, reflecting a surge of so‑called “TikTok jihadists.”
  • Operational cases cited include the October 10 arrest and jailing of three young women suspected of planning attacks in Paris and the PNAT-led probe into the September 10 killing of influencer Ashur Sarnaya, whose alleged attacker was arrested in Italy.
  • Officials report a sharp rise in antisemitic acts since October 7, 2023, while security operations such as Sentinelle and PNAT coordination remain central to France’s response.