The U.S. Embassy in Paris has urged Americans in France to remain alert after the nation stepped up security measures over concerns of an imminent terror attack.
The terror alert follows the suspected terrorist attack in Russia’s capital city Moscow last week.
Other nations across Europe have stepped up their security measures in case there are additional planned attacks soon.
That includes France, which prompted the U.S. Embassy in Paris to issue a security alert to all American citizens living in that nation to similarly be on guard against possible attacks, Fox News reported.
The embassy has not ordered any evacuations, at least as of yet.
However, evacuating citizens could be a possibility if a more concrete threat of terrorism soon emerges.
On Monday, the U.S. Mission to France issued a security alert that stated:
“Following the March 22 terrorist attack in Moscow, Russia, the French government elevated its Vigipirate national security alert system to the highest level.”
“As a result, residents and visitors throughout France may see heightened security in public areas, including airports; public transport; places of worship; tourist sites; schools; major sports venues; and large commercial centers,” the alert continued.
“French authorities actively monitor terrorist threats from organized groups and radicalized individuals,” the message further stated.
“Attacks may happen with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, major sporting and cultural events, and other public areas that attract large numbers of civilians.
“Visitors to congested and popular tourist areas should be particularly attentive to their surroundings,” the alert concluded along with encouragement for people to “report any suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.”
It further advised American travelers and residents in France to:
“Avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity; Exercise caution if in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests; Monitor local media for updates; Be aware of your surroundings; Keep a low profile; and notify friends and family of your safety.”
According to USA Today, intelligence agencies for both France and the U.S. have publicly accused an offshoot of the Islamic State group of being responsible.
That terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the mass shooting attack at a concert hall near Moscow in Russia.
At least four gunmen carrying rifles opened fire on civilians.
They reportedly killed at least 137 people and left around 180 more wounded.
While speaking with reporters during a trip to French Guiana in South America, French President Emmanuel Macron said:
“The information available to us … as well as to our main partners, indicates indeed that it was an entity of the Islamic State which instigated this attack.”
Using the initials ISIS-K for the Islamic State-Khorasan group based in Afghanistan, the French president added:
“This group also tried to commit several actions on our own soil.”
He noted that France had raised its terror alert warning to its highest level on Sunday.
The alert will remain at the highest level for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, as France and the U.S. blamed the attack on the Islamic State group affiliate, which itself has claimed responsibility, USA Today reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has, perhaps unsurprisingly, accused its bitter enemy Ukraine.
By extension, Putin is accusing the U.S. and other Western allies of being the real planners of the deadly mass shooting attack.
Ukraine and the U.S. have, of course, strenuously denied that accusation.
President Macron also addressed it when he told reporters:
“I think that it would be both cynical and counterproductive for Russia itself and the security of its citizens to use this context to try and turn it against Ukraine.”
The four alleged gunmen were quickly apprehended after the attack by Russian authorities while ostensibly fleeing toward Ukraine.
The suspects have since made their initial appearances in a Moscow courtroom — where they all looked as though they’d been badly beaten or tortured while in custody.
They were all hit with terrorism charges.
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