‘France will not give into terrorist blackmail,’ says Franco

President Hollande has promised to increase protection in public buildings and across the country’s transport networks.

French aircraft and troops are backing soldiers in Mali who are trying to push back Islamist offensives.

Hollande said that at the request of the President of Mali, France had committed itself to support the Malian army against what he described as “terrorist aggression that threatens the whole of West Africa.”

“I have ordered the reinforcement of our French military forces in Bamako to protect our citizens,” he continued.

Meanwhile, in Somalia, French commandos launched a failed raid to rescue an intelligence agent held hostage there for three years.

“This operation could not be achieved, despite the sacrifice of two of our soldiers and without a doubt, the murder of our hostage,” he said.

“I join in the suffering of the families and I offer the nation’s condolences. But this operation confirms the determination of France not to give into blackmail by terrorists.”

Source: APTN