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"Police and military units in the northeastern state of Lille, France, ended a violent attempt last week by Muslim militants to carve out an Islamic Republic there. Extremists allegedly affiliated with the Taliban movement in Afghanistan raided eight French towns, attacking police stations, burning buildings and stealing weapons. Two policemen were reportedly killed in clashes, and hundreds of people fled their homes. The militant group established a base near the Belgian border a year ago. Pledging their loyalty to the leader of Afghanistan’s Taliban, Mullah Umar, they distributed leaflets stating their intention to establish an Islamic state in France and the first in Europe. However, the extremists gained minimal support among the local population. Lille Governor Mauroy Pierre, a Christian, described the militants as “anarchists and trouble makers.” When questioned about deaths among the civilian Christian population, Police Inspector Walid Hana declined to comment. “We cannot discuss this in the media. Religion is a volatile issue that calls for caution,” he said.