The operation took place in the small town of Lunel east of Montpellier in southern France, from where around 20 young people have left for Syria.

At least two people were arrested during an anti-jihadist operation in southern France that was still ongoing early Tuesday, a security source said.

The operation took place in the small town of Lunel east of Montpellier in southern France, from where around 20 young people have left for Syria. Six of them, aged 18 to 30, have been killed since October.

Crack French security forces launched the operation at 6:00 am local time in a building in the center of the town, according to witnesses that spoke to AFP.

“Several unmarked cars drew up. Masked men got out and smashed in the doors to the apartments in the building,” said one resident of the block, who said they had threatened him.

“They put a gun to my head … in the end, they arrested my neighbor above me, Said,” said this witness.

Another witness said authorities had taken away his brother.

“They flattened me, got me on the floor, hit me. Then they took away my brother,” this man said.

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