MOSCOW (Sputnik) — French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, deployed in the Mediterranean for an anti-Islamic State operation in Syria, may stay off the country's coast for more than four months, French media reported Thursday.
"Depending on the development of the situation, deployment of the aircraft carrier that is expected to last for about four months and longer if necessary, may continue in the Persian Gulf region," French marine news website Mer et Marine said.
On Tuesday, French President Francois Hollande announced deployment of the aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean in response to a series of coordinated attacks in various locations throughout Paris on November 13, that killed some 130 people and injured over 300 more.
French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Wednesday that the ship was expected to begin its operation against ISIL militants before the end of the week.
