French President François Hollande said France is hurting, but “stronger than the fanatics who wish to hurt us,” after at least 80 people were killed in a terror attack in Nice, many of them children.
Hollande said 10,000 military officers around the country would be mobilized and sent to Nice, borders would be strengthened, the national state of emergency extended, and military campaigns in Syria and Iraq will continue.
“Once again we have seen extreme violence and it is obvious that we must do everything to fight against this terrorism,” Hollande said. “France has been hit on its national day, July 14, our national symbol.”
Hollande said he had instructed all regional hospitals to be prepared for an influx of the injured, and asked his countrymen to take care and pay attention to security during the national holiday weekend.
France’s state of emergency, enacted after the November terror attacks in Paris, was due to expire July 26, but Hollande said it would be extended by a further three months.
Hollande said the attacks would not weaken the country’s military resolve.
“We will show military force and action in Syria and Iraq,” Hollande said.
Hollande added that he would attend a defense meeting in Paris later this morning, after which he will travel with Prime Minister Manuel Valls to Nice.
“This is a monstrosity to use a truck to deliberately kill people, many people, who only came out to celebrate their national day,” Hollande concluded. “France is in tears, she is hurting but she is strong. She will be stronger.”