( LUDOVIC MARIN / AFP / GETTY IMAGES )PARIS—French soldiers taking part in Operation Sentinelle are the highest profile symbols of the fight against Islamic extremism — but along with other security forces patrolling French streets are increasingly the main targets of attacks. The soldiers’ status as representatives, and defenders, of the state, has put security forces in the line of fire. Knives, machetes, hammers and vehicles have been used in the seven attacks this year — in each case against security forces — despite France’s state of emergency. Except for Wednesday’s car attack, the attackers chose tourist haunts — going after security forces, not the crowds. Attacks on security forces have been a constant in the West.

Source: thestar August 10, 2017 15:22 UTC