The French government said it would deploy 10,000 troops to bolster security at vulnerable sites and take other measures to combat Islamist extremism as the political unity displayed since last week’s terrorist attacks began to fray.
Jean-Yves Le Drian, defence minister, said the troops would be sent to unspecified points by this evening in a mobilisation he described as unique in scale for domestic duties. The authorities also sent 5,000 police officers to protect Jewish schools and synagogues.
The government is also looking to boost resources for the intelligence agencies, to improve their electronic surveillance capabilities and stop Islamist extremists from radicalising other Muslims in prison, said Manuel Valls, the prime minister. The justice ministry said 152 Islamist extremists were behind bars.