France accuses 10 people of "attacking Muslims"

French authorities have accused 10 right-wing extremists of plotting to attack Muslims, a judicial source said Thursday.

Nine men and a woman aged between 32 and 69 were arrested in raids in different parts of France on Saturday.

The 10 appeared before the court on Wednesday night and charged with a "terrorist criminal conspiracy."

Several persons were also charged with violating weapons possession laws and manufacturing and possessing explosives.

Police linked the 10 to an unnamed group calling on the French to attack Muslims, or the so-called enemy at home.

A source close to the investigation told AFP that the suspects had "an unfounded plan to commit violence against Muslims."

Guns, pistols and hand grenades were found in raids in and near Paris, in Corsica and in the Charente-Maritime area.

Prosecutors said in a statement Wednesday that 36 firearms and large quantities of ammunition were seized, as well as materials in the house of a suspect could be used to manufacture explosives.

Among the suspects is a retired police officer believed to be the group's leader, a source close to the investigation said. The group also includes a former soldier.

France remains on alert after a wave of jihadi attacks that have killed more than 240 people since 2015.

Police have called on people not to confuse the actions of extremist individuals and the lives of some six million Muslims in France, but violence against Muslims is increasing.

The "War for France" website, run by the Action Force group, depicts a battle going on near the Eiffel Tower and calling for "soldier citizens" to prepare for it.