French Paratroopers Being Gunned Down in Possible Act of Terrorism

[Conley]

French troops stationed in the country's south-west have been told not to wear their uniforms when off base, reports say.

The order comes after two paratroopers were shot dead and a third injured as they used a cash-point in the south-western town of Montauban on Thursday.

Investigators are linking this to the killing of a paratrooper in Toulouse on Sunday.

France's defence minister has said no theories are being ruled out.

Asked if terrorism could be the motive, Gerard Longuet said: "Nothing permits us to rule out one theory or another."

France's elite airborne units are based in the south-west.

The dead paratroopers' regiment - though not the men themselves - recently served in Afghanistan, but French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said there was "no kind of proof or indication" of a link.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17397354

It seems odd that someone or some group could be picking these guys off so easily. Now they are being told not to wear their uniforms off base. It seems to me they would want to be prepared and armed to let these guys come after them and know what they're dealing with.

[Mister D]

I saw this yesterday. No one has claimed responsibility.

[Peter1469]

Wow. Hopefully they figure this out fast.

[Mister D]

There are reports that all three of the dead soldiers were of North African origin, and that the injured man is black.

Interesting.

[Conley]

I can't help but feel the American response to this would be a lot stronger than what the French are doing. Can you imagine some dude trying to pick off our Airborne? Not sure he would last long.

[Mister D]

I agree but Europe has experienced a lot more terrorism than we have.

[Conley]

That's true. I shouldn't assume anything about this case. If you get a good enough jump on a guy it doesn't matter how tough or combat experienced he is.

[Mister D]

That's true. I shouldn't assume anything about this case. If you get a good enough jump on a guy it doesn't matter how tough or combat experienced he is.

That's certainly true. I think the French public is less shocked by this sort of thing than we would be.

[MMC]

We would want to make an example out of someone doing something like this. The French should do the same. It's not like I see the doors to their Armed Forces being busted down for employment, or Patriotism.

[Mister D]

France cannot maintain a large force. They spend too much on goodies. They have to go with a small but highly professional force.