Security measures intensify after French cartoon

Following the publication of a satirical cartoon mocking the Prophet Mohammed in France, security measures were strengthened outside the French embassy in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. There was an increasing fear of backlash after the controversial images were printed; Lebanese army officials were therefore deployed outside the Pine Residence in Beirut, where the ambassador lives. An army unit was also positioned around the French cultural centre and armed guards were posted at the entrance gates. French nationals in Lebanon received messages advising them to be vigilant. The embassy recommended they stay away from large gatherings and vulnerable buildings that could potentially become the site for protests. France declared that it will close its embassies and schools in around 20 countries following fears of hostile reactions to the satirical French magazine, Charlie Hebdo's publication of the cartoons. The French Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius, announced that he had ordered special security measures in all the countries where this issue could pose a problem. The move by Charlie Hebdo has resulted in days of violent protests from Asia to Africa against the US-made film "Innocence of Muslims" and has turned France into a potential target for Muslim rage.