US, France agree on concrete steps against ISIL

Washington: The US and France today agreed on intensifying their joint concrete military actions against the dreaded Islamic State militant group, the Pentagon said today.

The decision came after a telephonic conversation between US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian.

This was the second telephonic conversation between the two Defense Ministers in two days after the horrific terrorist attack in Paris, the responsibility of which has been claimed by ISIL.

“This was an opportunity to share actions that both governments are taking in the wake of the attack. They agreed on concrete steps the US and French militaries should take to further intensify our close cooperation in prosecuting a sustained campaign against ISIL,” Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said.

Carter reiterated the firm commitment of the US to support France and move together to ensure ISIL is dealt a lasting defeat, Cook said, adding that the two leaders agreed to continue to remain in close contact in the days ahead.