Second Domestic Operation by French Security Forces Following Paris Attacks

French security forces conducted over 120 operations against suspicious individuals and locations across the country on Monday evening, November 25. Bernard Cazeneuve, the French Minister of the Interior, stated on Tuesday morning to France Info radio that these operations were a response to the recent massacre in Paris. However, he did not provide further details about the operations. According to Mr. Cazeneuve, more than 115,000 police, gendarmes, and army soldiers have been mobilized to protect the lives of French citizens. Belgian security forces also carried out extensive operations in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, at the same time. According to Reuters, during these operations, bullets and chemicals necessary for bomb-making were discovered in the homes of two suspects. Last Friday night, several locations in Paris, including a concert hall, were targeted by attackers who were later identified as members of the Islamic State group. The multiple attacks left at least 129 victims of various nationalities. French President François Hollande stated on Monday that the recent attacks in Paris were decided and planned in Syria and organized in Belgium. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who visited Paris under heavy security, confirmed the French President's remarks on Monday night, stating that the war against the Islamic State group would continue until its 'destruction.' According to Reuters, Mr. Kerry referred to France as America's 'oldest ally' and said that the people of the two countries are 'not just friends, but family members.' The U.S. Secretary of State described ISIS members as 'psychological monsters' and emphasized that the war against this group is 'not a clash of civilizations, as they have no sense of civilization.'