11/13 Terrorism: The Invisible War Begins

(Baonghean) - French President Francois Hollande declared that France is "at war" and vowed to continue attacking the Islamic State (IS) organization after the terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13. A new type of war, an invisible war, is spreading to Europe.

France officially declared war on IS after the series of attacks in Paris on the night of November 13 (early morning of November 14, Vietnam time). French President Francois Hollande used the word "war" to describe the situation in France - showing the seriousness of what is happening.

Speaking before the French National Assembly, he also called for amending the Constitution to allow for increased military operations against IS, including increased defense and security budgets. He also proposed stripping French citizenship from citizens accused of terrorism and banning entry if they are determined to be a "terrorist risk".

French President Francois Hollande declared France "at war" on November 16, 2015 (AP Photo).

Statements from the top leader and real threats forced France to wage two wars simultaneously: one inside its territory and one outside. At home, the French government declared a three-month extension of the state of emergency.

This will allow security forces to launch nationwide anti-terrorist raids. This is considered a necessary measure to be ready to respond, even proactively sweep and repel terrorist plots by extremists present in France and Europe.

According to Western intelligence estimates, France has more citizens joining Islamic terrorist groups than any other country in Europe.

As for the outside world, perhaps never before has France shown such determination in the fight to destroy IS as it does now. Immediately after the terrorist attacks in Paris, France's first retaliatory action was airstrikes on the IS stronghold in Raqqa, Syria.

Security in France is really alarming, especially after the horrific terrorist attack in Paris on November 13 - Photo: AFP

It is expected that on November 19, the nuclear aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle of this country will arrive in Syria to join the fight, carrying with it the determination to completely eliminate IS. France's determination predicts military actions in the fight against IS in the coming time with a larger scale and level.

However, analysts say that whether the war is internal or external, it brings challenges and risks to France. At home, tough measures risk affecting civil rights, personal freedoms and other values.

France faces a new war. Photo: Internet

Besides, the war against terrorism that France and the West are facing is an invisible war, without front lines. Terrorism is a "ghost" that is difficult to identify, and can appear anywhere, at any time. Many attacks that have happened in France are undeniable evidence: the sudden shooting at the Charlie Hebdo newspaper office in January; smaller acts in Lyon, Marseille and some localities in the middle of the year; and recently, the series of attacks at many locations in Paris...

More seriously, many people are worried that France will be bogged down in a war with no way out, like what the US experienced after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. However, from France's perspective, they need to do something after the recent terrible tragedies and a war that seems inevitable.

Analysts say that what is happening in France could be the scenario for many other European countries facing similar challenges of terrorism. Therefore, in the coming time, perhaps not only France but also countries in the Old Continent will have to adjust a series of domestic and foreign policies, security and society, military and defense, international cooperation and alliances. All must prepare mentally for a fierce, complicated war that has no end in sight./.

Thanh Huyen