Paris attacks: Great Mosque head backs France's anti-Isis airstrikes in Syria

The head of Paris's main mosque called for strong action against Islamist extremism, even welcoming air strikes against the Islamic State (Isis) and the closure of radical mosques across France if the measures were to help bring peace to the country, in the wake of the deadly attacks of 13 November.

Dalil Boubakeur the rector of the Great Mosque of Paris said the Muslim community, together with the rest of France, was the victim of what he described as an act of barbarism against the nation, its principles and its culture.

"'Liberte egalite fraternite' is the motto of all Frenchmen," he told a press conference held after a nationwide minute of silence. "France is also our country."

The Mufti, a physician, said he supported the government in its fight against extremists. Asked about plans to shut down mosques harbouring radicals he said that any measure that could yield results was welcome. "If these acts are efficient they are good acts," he said.

Commenting on the overnight large bombing operation carried out by French jet fighters targeting the IS stronghold of Raqqa, in Syria, he again expressed support to the government's action. "We are at war, this is a war and [one of] the means used against war is war," he said. "It's not difficult to understand."

Boubakeur also called on all communities to report radicals to police saying he was "furious" at Islamist infiltrations in some mosques. The 75-year-old appealed to all "true imams" to hold additional prayers on Friday in memory of those who lost their lives in the series off coordinated shootings and bombings that wreaked havoc in the city.

Some 129 people were killed and hundreds injured more in the spree of violence, which was claimed by IS.

Outside the mosque, a Muslim student living in Paris said she felt the attacks threatened to destroy France's peaceful multiculturalism.

"Now there is tension between ethnicities," said Zohara Bouanaka, a 23-year-old Algerian native wearing a hijab. "On my way here on the metro and the bus I could feel it in the gazes of people. They are looking a bit angry, but I understand," she added. "I too feel angry for everyone who is dying and is innocent."