France and Russia agree to share intel on Isis

[Vergennes]

Russia and France have agreed to bolster efforts to share intelligence relating to the Islamic State jihadist group after the two countries vowed to cooperate militarily on the issue.

"We have agreed to strengthen our exchange of military information, both on the strikes and the location of the different groups (in Syria)," French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said following talks with Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu.

"Our intelligence services will strengthen their already existing ties, which require increased cooperation."

Le Drian said they had identified a method to assess the state of IS and other "terrorist groups" following air strikes conducted by both the Russian and French air forces.

"This is not being allied, this is coordinating," Le Drian said. "The goal of these information exchanges is to assess the scope of actions that can be considered."

The two sides also agreed to share intelligence on foreign fighters having joined the ranks of jihadist groups in Iraq and Syria, a figure that has more than doubled since last year to at least 27,000, according to a recent report by an intelligence consultancy.

Russia's federal security service said last week that nearly 2,900 Russians are fighting or have fought with the IS group in Iraq and Syria.

The Russian defence ministry said in a statement Monday night that French army chief of staff General Pierre de Villiers would visit Moscow "in the near future" to maintain military contacts between the countries.

France recently deployed its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Gulf, with 26 bombers on board, for operations against IS in Iraq and Syria.

Other aircraft are also stationed in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.

The defence ministers' talks follow a visit to Moscow last month by French President Francois Hollande, when he sought support from Russian leader Vladimir Putin for increased action against IS in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris.

The two leaders agreed to "intensify" and "coordinate" attacks, mainly by targeting the transportation of the oil products that finance the group and through the exchange of intelligence.


France and Russia agree to share intel on Isis - The Local

 

[dadeechi]

Russia and France have agreed to bolster efforts to share intelligence relating to the Islamic State jihadist group after the two countries vowed to cooperate militarily on the issue.

"We have agreed to strengthen our exchange of military information, both on the strikes and the location of the different groups (in Syria)," French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said following talks with Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu.

"Our intelligence services will strengthen their already existing ties, which require increased cooperation."

Le Drian said they had identified a method to assess the state of IS and other "terrorist groups" following air strikes conducted by both the Russian and French air forces.

"This is not being allied, this is coordinating," Le Drian said. "The goal of these information exchanges is to assess the scope of actions that can be considered."

The two sides also agreed to share intelligence on foreign fighters having joined the ranks of jihadist groups in Iraq and Syria, a figure that has more than doubled since last year to at least 27,000, according to a recent report by an intelligence consultancy.

Russia's federal security service said last week that nearly 2,900 Russians are fighting or have fought with the IS group in Iraq and Syria.

The Russian defence ministry said in a statement Monday night that French army chief of staff General Pierre de Villiers would visit Moscow "in the near future" to maintain military contacts between the countries.

France recently deployed its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Gulf, with 26 bombers on board, for operations against IS in Iraq and Syria.

Other aircraft are also stationed in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.

The defence ministers' talks follow a visit to Moscow last month by French President Francois Hollande, when he sought support from Russian leader Vladimir Putin for increased action against IS in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris.

The two leaders agreed to "intensify" and "coordinate" attacks, mainly by targeting the transportation of the oil products that finance the group and through the exchange of intelligence.


France and Russia agree to share intel on Isis - The Local

Looks like the Franco-German détente with Russia that was spoiled by Ukraine is now back on track after the Paris attack and the Franco-Russian offensive in Syria.

Interesting times ahead.

 

[Vergennes]

Looks like the Franco-German détente with Russia that was spoiled by Ukraine is now back on track after the Paris attack and the Franco-Russian offensive in Syria.

Interesting times ahead.

Even if we have different views on some subjects,both of our countries were hit by this terrorist organization,both seek revenge,and we must cooperate together on terrorism. It should be a common fight.

 

[Solomon2]

Which means that much U.S. intelligence will be shared, too, since the French are currently commanding CTF 50, the U.S. Navy task force helping destroy ISIS.

 

[dadeechi]

Even if we have different views on some subjects,both of our countries were hit by this terrorist organization,both seek revenge,and we must cooperate with the Russians on terrorism. It should be a common fight.

There was never going to be any winners from the Ukraine conflict. I am glad that the wise minds prevailed and the focus has shifted back to middle east.