'Islamist cell' smashed in France

French nationals have been identified among Iraqi insurgents

Seven people have been arrested in France suspected of being part of a Islamist cell recruiting volunteers to fight against US-led forces in Iraq.

French Justice Minister Dominique Perben said the clampdown was a part of "a daily war" against terrorism.

The arrests took place in a mainly Muslim district in Paris on Monday, but were only announced on Tuesday.

The inquiry was prompted by the deaths of several French nationals who fought alongside Islamist insurgents in Iraq.

Officials told reporters that the detainees, who include five men and two women, will stay in custody pending further investigation.

"This operation has allowed us to completely smash this network," a source in the French Interior Ministry told Reuters.

On Wednesday, Mr Perben said police continued to "follow step-by-step a certain number of suspects, a certain number of people who are susceptible of being in contact with terrorist groups in France or overseas".

"The anti-terrorist struggle is a daily war," he told French television.

Officials are said to have identified five French nationals fighting in Iraq, one of whom is believed to command a 20-strong insurgent unit.