In light of the terrorist attack that killed at least 137 people in Russia on Friday, France had to raise its ‘Vigipirate’ terror status to ‘Attack Distress Level’ Prime Minister Gabriel Attal reported on X.
The Vigi pirate is a three-tier safety system created in France in 1978. It consists of: ‘vigilance’, ‘increased security/risk of attack’ and ‘attack distress’ levels.
The country has decided to increase its security alert to the highest possible level to be able to mobilize monetary resources and quickly disseminate information to protect citizens when a crisis breaks out.
The alert allows France to deploy armed troops to patrol public places such as airports, public transport, shopping facilities, educational institutions and sporting, tourist and religious locations.
One of the reasons that has prompted the government to raise its security alert is related to security concerns related to the Olympic and Paralympic Games that will take place in Paris and other cities this summer.
Everything indicates that the threat is real, according to the national news channel France 24, High school students from more than 30 institutions received threatening emails through the Pronote software used by the Ministry of Education.
This is stated in these emails schools in the north of the country will soon be attacked. They also include “shocking” videos of beheadings, the minister confirmed on Thursday.
The ‘Islamic State in Khorasan’, which is believed responsible for the terrorist attack in Russia, has recently carried out other attacks in Germany and France and is currently threatening France, Prime Minister Attal has said. Reuters.
US Embassy and Consulates in France Recommendations
Concerned about the safety of its nations, the US Embassy has issued a series of recommendations for Americans to be safe in the event of an emergency when visiting France.
Americans are encouraged to:
- Register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive last-minute information about the situation in France and to easily locate you in case of emergency.
- Do not participate in demonstrations and immediately leave areas with increased police presence.
- Stay up to date with recent news and activities on social media.
- Be careful not to draw too much attention to yourself.
- Keep your relatives and friends informed of your whereabouts.
- If you notice anything suspicious, please contact local authorities on 17 or 112.
