EU agrees to support France in fight against IS

The EU has pledged support for France after it requested help abroad in response to the brutal attack in Paris claimed by the Islamic State, according to Deutsche Welle.

EU defense ministers said on Tuesday they supported France's request for military assistance as it intensifies its fight against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in the Middle East.

"France cannot act alone in these theaters," French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said during a meeting on Tuesday with fellow defense ministers in Brussels, DW has reported.

The country referenced Article 42 of the EU Treaty, which calls for solidarity among member states in the case of an armed attack on its territory. It is the first time in the EU's history the article has been evoked.

In response, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said all 28 member states backed the request.

"Today, the EU through the voices of all the member states unanimously expressed its strongest full support and readiness to give the assistance needed," she told reporters.

IS claimed responsibility for the brutal terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday night, an act which has led France to declare itself at war with the terror group.