France raises terror alert warning to highest level
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French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal cited the ISIS' claim of responsibility for the Moscow attack and the perceived threats to the country as reasons for elevating the Vigipirate posture to the highest level, termed as a "terrorist emergency."
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The French flag flutters at the presidential Elysee palace during the weekly cabinet meeting, Wednesday, April 20, 2022 in Paris (AP)
France's Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said on Sunday that French authorities are raising the nation's terror alert warning to its highest levels in response to the shootings in Moscow.
"Following the Moscow attack, a National Defense and Security Council was convened tonight at the Élysée Palace by the President of the Republic. Considering the Islamic State's claim of responsibility for the attack and the threats facing our country, we have decided to raise the Vigipirate posture to its highest level: terrorist emergency," a post on X by Attal read.
À la suite de l’attentat de Moscou, un Conseil de Défense et de Sécurité nationale a été réuni ce soir à l’Elysée par le Président de la République.
— Gabriel Attal (@GabrielAttal) March 24, 2024
Compte tenu de la revendication de l’attentat par l’état islamique et des menaces qui pèsent sur notre pays, nous avons décidé de…
The country has been engulfed in a series of intense protests over the past two years. The latest round of protests involves grievances over Macron's plans to deploy troops to Ukraine. It is likely that the alert system measures are intended to quell these demonstrations.
France's terrorism alert system consists of three levels, with the highest level being triggered following an attack either domestically or internationally, or when an imminent threat is perceived.
This permits the implementation of extraordinary security measures, including increased patrols by armed forces at public locations such as train stations, airports, and religious sites.
Read more: Suspect admits shooting people at Moscow's concert venue for money
Earlier today, state news agencies in Russia reported that the first two suspects involved in the attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow had been charged with Article 205 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation "Terrorism resulting in the death of a person," as per Moscow's Basmanny District Court.
ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack. However, during interrogation, one of the attackers admitted that his actions were motivated by money rather than extremist beliefs.
So far, Russian authorities have arrested 11 individuals in connection to the attack. The gunmen were apprehended while attempting to flee toward the Ukraine border. None of those detained were identified as Russian nationals, yet some were found to have contacts with Ukraine.
Despite the evidence, Kiev denied Russian allegations of Ukraine's involvement.
