France’s interior minister has called for “extreme vigilance” after three days of attacks by terrorists linked to al-Qaeda that scarred the nation and left 20 dead.
Bernard Cazeneuve said after an emergency security meeting on Saturday that the government is deploying hundreds of troops in addition to thousands of police and other security forces.
He said that "we are exposed to risks" and France is maintaining its terror alert system at the highest level in the Paris region.
President Francois Hollande convened the meeting to discuss how to thwart a new attack.
Three attackers were killed after they attacked satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, a kosher supermarket and a printing house in recent days.
An accomplice, the partner of one attacker, remains at large.
Prime minister Manuel Valls warned on Saturday that France must “never lower our guard” after the series of attacks.
“Four died yesterday and without the professionalism of forces that figure would have been much higher,” he said. “We must never lower our guard. I am telling you this with a great deal of strength. We must carry on.”
Mr Valls said France was doing “ our utmost in order to fight against terrorism” but there were always ways for terrorism to show its face.
“We have to be really strong, really tough as far as the enemies of freedom are concerned.”
Referring to a unity rally being held in Paris on Sunday, he said: “It will be a rally which will be unbelievable and remain in the annals of history. It will shout and express its love and freedom and tolerance...Tomorrow’s rally will be a cry for freedom.”
PA