Mr. Abballa was a French citizen and had been unemployed at the time of his arrest, Mr. Denis said. But lone-wolf attacks such as those encouraged by the Islamic State are perhaps hardest to prevent because they are so difficult to detect. “At the trial, Abballa seemed like someone who was not dangerous but was rather stupid,” Mr. Denis added. He testified that at least 645 French citizens or residents of France were in Syria, and that about 400 of those were participating in military operations. The Magnanville attack has already prompted calls in France for more stringent handling of those convicted of terrorism-related activities.

Source: New York Times June 14, 2016 11:07 UTC