Pentagon launches new intelligence-sharing effort with France

As conflict with violent extremists in the Middle East continues to ravage the region, the U.S. and its allies have stepped up cooperative measures to counter threats posed by ISIS and other terrorist groups.

Part of that cooperation comes in the form of intelligence sharing, which allows allied nations to coordinate strategies and campaigns to defeat extremists bent on overthrowing governments and establishing an oppressive regime.

The U.S. has spent the last year developing that cooperation, especially with the French military, intelligence and security services. In light of the terrorist shooting and bombing attack on Paris late last week, the Pentagon is ramping up efforts to strengthen intelligence-sharing measures with France to counter terrorist threats from around the globe, especially ISIS.

“In the wake of the recent attack on France, we stand strong and firm with our oldest ally, which is why the U.S. and France have decided to bolster our intelligence sharing,” Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said.

Cook said Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and National Intelligence Director Jim Clapper have developed a new program to help U.S. military personnel share critical intelligence more easily with French forces. That will put vital operational-planning information in the hands of French military commanders.

“This new guidance underscores the strength of the security partnership with France and builds on longstanding cooperation that will improve our ability to deter and defeat mutual enemies, particularly ISIL,” Cook said.