France, March 20 -- French interior minister Gerald Darmanin on Saturday sent in reinforcements into the eastern city of Verdun after dozens of youths set fire to cars and a youth employment advice centre.

No one was injured in the attacks which the Verdun mayor Samuel Hazard blamed on drugs gangs seeking revenge following crackdowns on dealersin the Planchettes district.

"It is undoubtedly a question of reprisals," said Hazard who went to the scene.

"The rule of law will be maintained. Intimidation or even threats will not make us back down. I will not give in. We will not give in."

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Darminin responded to Hazard's call for extra help by promising to deploy seven extra officers from a roving force to stay in the region.

"I stron...