France, Nov. 8 -- French anti-terror prosecutors have charged and jailed three young women suspected of plotting a jihadist attack - the first alleged plot involving female suspects in several years.

The trio, all around 20 years old, were formally placed under investigation and remanded in custody in October, according to France's National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT).

The judicial inquiry, opened on 10 October, concerns "criminal terrorist association with intent to commit acts of violence against persons," the office confirmed on Saturday, verifying a report first published by Le Parisien.

A source close to the case told AFP that "a plot was foiled this autumn" - describing it as the first attempted violent action invol...