US to 'Bolster' Intelligence Sharing With France Following Paris Attacks

According to US Department of Defense spokesperson, Washington intends to actively share intelligence witn France following the deadly paris attacks.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The United States plans to increase intelligence sharing with France and raise security measures following Friday’s fatal terrorist attacks in Paris, US Department of Defense spokesperson Peter Cook announced in a statement on Monday.

"In the wake of the recent attack on France, we stand strong and firm with our oldest ally, which is why the US and France have decided to bolster our intelligence sharing," Cook said.

He added that Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and National Intelligence head James Clapper have also outlined new instructions to "enable US military personnel to more easily share operational planning information and intelligence" with France on a range of shared challenges to the fullest extent under current laws and policies.

Cook noted that the Pentagon's new guidance would improve its ability to "deter and defeat mutual enemies," including the Islamic State (IS).

The Department of Defense's announcement comes after some 130 people were killed and over 350 injured in several near-simultaneous terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13. The IS militant group has claimed responsibility for the blatant assaults.

Following Friday's attacks, France declared a nation-wide state of emergency and closed its borders, while major US cities including Washington, DC and New York City went on high security alert.