20 arrested in sweep of suspected Islamic network

French counter-terrorism police arrested about 20 people this morning in a major sweep of an alleged Islamic network suspected of preparing terror attacks, police said.

The sweep in the Paris area and the Oise region north of the capital was ordered by French anti-terrorism judges.

The operation was ongoing, with raids on homes and internet cafes, national police said.

The alleged network included terror suspects already known to police and “common criminals,” a police statement said.

Investigations were under way to determine the group’s precise objectives, it added.