In a statement, the Minister of the Interior provided an overview, a sort of inventory of the fight against terrorists. An indirect response to those who point fingers at the apparent lack of efficiency: Bataclan after Charlie Hebdo…
The Minister expressed this in a statement released by the prefectural services: “We have adapted our legislative arsenal, strengthened our means, and reorganized our methods to combat an unprecedented form of terrorist risk. The Prime Minister recalled that six attacks have been thwarted or averted since the spring of this year.”
“For the information of our citizens, I want to give you an initial assessment of these actions,” he states.
Here is the ministerial accounting that clearly shows the expansion of the problem:
1/ 203 exit prohibitions from the territory and 62 entry and stay prohibitions against foreigners whose presence on our soil would constitute a threat to our security.
2/ 87 Internet sites linked to terrorism have also been subject to administrative blocking.
3/ 6 revocations of French nationality. 34 expulsion orders have been issued against foreign nationals linked to jihadist movements, and hate-preaching imams since the beginning of 2015.
4/ For several months, the Ministry of the Interior’s services have gathered the necessary elements to dissolve religious associations occupying radicalized places of worship and promoting violence. These procedures are already underway; they are nearing completion and will be examined by the Council of Ministers.
5/ 104 initial assignments against individuals who are under particular attention by our services.
6/ 168 administrative searches at the homes of suspects for various reasons.
7/ 23 individuals have been arrested and taken into custody. 31 weapons, including 19 handguns, 8 long guns, and 4 war weapons, have been seized. 18 incidental discoveries of narcotics have been made.
8/ A search led to the discovery of a Kalashnikov, 3 automatic pistols, ammunition, and bulletproof vests.
The conclusion? It remains the Minister’s words that echo: “Let everyone hear it clearly: this is only the beginning. These actions will continue.”
This is ultimately all that honest citizens wish for!
