Jihadists call for attacks on France over operations in Mali, CAR

PanARMENIAN.Net - A jihadist network connected to al Qaeda has distributed online pictures and messages calling for attacks on France and President Francois Hollande over French military operations in Mali and Central African Republic, the Associated Press reports.

Hollande, asked Tuesday, March 11, about the threat distributed by the al-Minbar Jihadi Media Network, told reporters that "we are extremely vigilant" but noted "it's not the first time there are threats."

The network, a clearing house for jihadi statements around the Middle East, distributed online calls for lone-wolf or other attacks to support Muslims in Mali and Central African Republic.

France has been the target of repeated extremist threats in recent weeks over its campaigns in Africa. French troops pushed al Qaeda-linked fighters out of northern Mali last year, and are trying to quell inter-religious violence in Central African Republic.