A report in a French newspaper has claimed that in the aftermath of the Paris attacks, France wants to deploy its Special Operations forces in Syria against Islamic State (Isis) terrorists.
The Paris-based newspaper reported in its Thursday edition that the French Defence Ministry wants to dispatch its commando units to find and eliminate Isis fighters.
"All options are possible at this stage," the Le Monde quoted its source at the defence ministry as saying.
According to Russian state news agency Sputnik, the French want to deploy their Special Ops in the Syrian region bolstered by the success of the aerial campaign by Moscow.
French President Francois Hollande, who declared that "France is at war" on Monday, called on both the US and Russia to form a global anti-terrorism coalition to destroy Isis in the wake of the Paris attacks.
"We're not engaged in a war of civilizations, because these assassins do not represent any. We are in a war against jihadist terrorism which is threatening the whole world," he told a packed, sombre chamber after the suicide bombings and shootings that killed 129 on the night of 13 November.
However, US president Barack Obama made it clear that America will not put "boots on the ground" in Syria against Isis. Putting troops on the ground "would be a mistake" he said, while clarifying that there would not be any change in the US strategy in the fight against Isis, despite the Paris attacks.
While the US has decided to stay aloof, Russia and the UK have joined with France to intensify strikes against Isis.
According to Reuters, Britain's royal navy warship HMS Defender will assist French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle once it arrives in the region.
The Russian defence minstry also said it will plan joint operations with France once Charles de Gaulle reaches Syria.
