France deploys 15,000 security forces to boost security

Published January 12, 2015
Thousands of people wave national flags and hold placards that read “I am Charlie” at the Place de la Nation in Paris Sunday, Jan 11, 2015. - AP
Thousands of people wave national flags and hold placards that read “I am Charlie” at the Place de la Nation in Paris Sunday, Jan 11, 2015. - AP

PARIS: France is deploying 15,000 police and security forces to bolster security around “sensitive” sites and Jewish schools in the country, in the wake of terrorist attacks that left 17 dead, authorities said Monday.

Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said 10,000 soldiers will be called up from Tuesday to protect “sensitive sites in the whole country from tomorrow (Tuesday) evening”, given the “scale of threats” on France.

The troop deployment would come on top of 5,000 police and security forces already mobilised Monday to protect some 717 schools and Jewish sites in the country.

Le Drian unveiled the fresh measures after an emergency meeting called by President Francois Hollande as attention turned to preventing a repeat of France's bloodiest attacks in half a century.

“This is the first time that our troops have been mobilised to such an extent on our own soil,” the defence minister said, adding that he would prefer not to list the sites which are deemed sensitive.

Le Drian said the mobilisation is going on “thanks to a high level of reactivity of our forces and the professionalism” showed by the team.

Authorities are still hunting for possible accomplices of the three gunmen who carried out the three-day killing spree that began with a massacre of 12 people at the Charlie Hebdo satirical weekly.

Opinion

Editorial

Missing links
27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

THE deplorable practice of enforced disappearances is an affront to due process and the rule of law. Pakistan has...
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...
Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...