Hollande hails "outstanding arrest" of 2 terror suspects in Marseille

French President Francois Hollande on Tuesday hailed the arrest of two men suspected of planning "imminent and certain terrorist attacks" on the eve of the presidential election, which he called "an outstanding catch."

"Our (intelligence) services and police have worked remarkably to arrest two people who are now going to be questioned to know exactly their intentions," Hollande said.

"Since several years, we have been mobilized to fight against terrorism and we are trying to prevent a number of actions even if, unfortunately, we have been struck by terrorism," he added during a visit to Le Creusot, eastern France.

In a brief statement, French Interior Minister Matthias Fekl said the internal security agency, backed by raid units held two men suspected "of planning violent acts on the eve of presidential election."

The two suspects were arrested Tuesday morning in Marseille's third district, southern France a few minutes apart from each other. According to local media, police found weapons, explosives and other bomb-making materials in their home.

The 24-year-old from Paris' suburbs and his 30-year-old accomplice from La Croix, northern France, are placed in custody.

A total of 50,000 policemen and gendarmes will be mobilized during the two rounds of presidential elections on April 23 and May 7, the French interior minister said.

France remains in a state of emergency and on high alert over possible terrorist attacks. A group of terrorists killed 130 people in a series of explosions and shootings in November 2015. Endit