France may introduce nationwide curfews in wake of Paris attacks

The French interior minister has given the go-ahead to local authorities across the country to impose a curfew in certain areas as part of security measures in the wake of shooting and bomb attacks in Paris, where over 120 people died.

Bernard Cazeneuve said on Saturday that local officials are allowed to introduce the curfews in areas which they deem necessary to prevent attacks similar to the deadly assaults in the capital on Friday.

The French interior minister, who was addressing the nation in televised remarks, said a series of increased security measures would also be introduced across France, including thousands more troops and police and special protection for certain public buildings. He said that demonstrations will be banned at least until Thursday.

Cazeneuve did not elaborate where the curfews could be imposed.

French authorities have yet to reveal the identity or the nationality of Paris attackers, who were reportedly killed at the scenes.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manuel Valls said Saturday that France will hold a minute's silence on Monday for the victims of the shootings and explosions on Friday as the nation is observing three days of mourning.

Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said measures will be taken to boost protection of France’s official buildings abroad.

French President Francois Hollande said earlier in the day that the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group was behind the attacks. He said the attacks amounted to “an act of war.”

Shortly after the remarks by Hollande, Daesh in a statement claimed responsibility for the assaults.

Out of the roughly 200 people injured in the attacks, 80 individuals are reported to have been in a life-threatening condition.

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