France escalates alert to the highest level following Moscow attack
The French government has decided to increase the terrorism threat level to its highest. This move comes in response to the attack on Friday in Krasnogorsk near Moscow, where over 130 people were killed. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced this decision late Sunday evening Greenwich Time.
The Islamic State has taken responsibility for the Krasnogorsk attack. In light of this, coupled with other threats France is facing, the government has opted to raise the state of alert.
Four months until the Olympics
"Given the Islamic State's claim on the attack and the threats facing our country, we have decided to increase the alert level to its highest," Attal shared on the X platform.
This decision followed a meeting of the National Defense and Security Council, overseen by French President, Emmanuel Macron. This crucial meeting took place four months before the Olympic Games are set to start in Paris, expected to commence on July 26.
According to Prime Minister Attal's office, the Islamic State is a significant threat to France. The group has attempted numerous attacks across various European nations, including Germany and France.
Threat of attack "inevitable"
Due to the heightened alert level, Prime Minister Attal has called for a meeting on Monday with all involved security services. "The French terrorism warning system comprises three levels, with the highest level initiated following an attack in France or abroad or when the threat of such an attack is deemed inevitable," reported Reuters agency.
This action positions France as one more country to ramp up its alert level. On Sunday, Italy's interior ministry decided to boost security measures nationwide at locations deemed especially sensitive, as per Ansa, citing ministry insiders. Extra protection is now in place at religious sites, embassies, train stations, and airports.
The incident sparked this increased threat level on Friday. Terrorists targeted the Crocus City Hall concert venue in the Moscow suburb of Krasnogorsk. The attackers commenced firing at the crowd, followed by the detonation of explosives.
The explosions led to a fire, causing the building's roof to collapse.
The Islamic State Khorasan Province, the Afghan branch of IS, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
