France 'ready to tackle terrorists'

on 15/01/2013 11:09:36

France is ready to prevent new terror attacks after its military operation to push back al-Qaida-linked insurgents grabbing territory in Mali, the country's top security official said today.

Interior minister Manuel Valls said France is well aware of the dangers of terror attacks both inside and outside the country, but believed the threat posed by the advance of the militant Islamist fighters was far greater.

Declaring France had "opened the gates of hell" with its assault, the rebels from the Sahel desert region that includes Mali threatened retribution yesterday.

"France is watching individuals who want to go to Afghanistan, Syria and the Sahel. We're watching those who could return here," Mr Valls told the French television network BFM.

"We're facing an exterior enemy and an interior enemy."