Special to WorldTribune.com

France on Nov. 17 became the first nation in the history of the European Union to invoke the EU’s mutual defense clause.

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian made the request in Brussels on Nov. 17 in the wake of the devastating terror attacks in Paris on Nov. 13. France’s request received unanimous support.

Le Drian said the 28 EU member nations should assist “either by taking part in France’s operations in Syria or Iraq, or by easing the load or providing support for France in other operations.”

According to the mutual defense clause — article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union — “if a member state is the victim of armed aggression on its territory, the other member states shall have toward it an obligation of aid and assistance by all the means in their power.”

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met with French President Francois Hollande on Nov. 17 and said anti-ISIL forces must hit the jihadists “at the core” when they are planning attacks.

Kerry added that ISIL was under pressure and losing territory.

“We’ve agreed even to exchange more information, and I’m convinced that over the course of the next weeks, (the Islamic State) will feel even greater pressure,” Kerry said.

  article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union, France calls on EU to invoke mutual defense clause, Jean-Yves Le Drian, WorldTribune.com