France's defense minister says French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle sent to help operations against Islamic State militants in Syria will be "operational" from tomorrow and "ready to act."
France has intensified its aerial bombing in Syria since IS militants attacked a concert hall, cafes and restaurants and a stadium in Paris, killing 130 people and wounding hundreds.
Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told French media today that IS must be destroyed at all costs.
Le Drian said: "We must annihilate Islamic State worldwide," adding: "that's the only possible direction." He said any country "who wants to participate militarily is welcome."
President Francois Hollande is meeting in Paris with British Prime Minister David Cameron tomorrow, then going to Washington and Moscow later in the week to push for a stronger international coalition against IS.
