France increases security measures to the highest level after the attack in Moscow

France is strengthening security measures to the highest level after Friday’s terrorist attack in Moscow, which was claimed by the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS). This was announced by French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal on the X network on Sunday evening.

“Given the claims of an attack by the Islamic State and threats to our country, we have decided to raise (the anti-terrorist program) Vigipirate to the highest level: an imminent attack,” Attal wrote after the end of a meeting of the defense council at the Elysee Palace, which was also attended by President Emmanuel Macron.

The Vigipirate plan was downgraded to level two in January, which is an increased security – risk of attack, AFP reported.

France’s terror alert system has three levels, with the highest level activated in the event of an attack in France or abroad, or if the threat of an attack is considered imminent. Extraordinary security measures such as increased patrols by the armed forces at public places such as railway stations, airports and places of worship are being launched.

Gunmen killed at least 137 people and injured more than 180 others in a shooting at a concert hall in the city of Krasnogorsk on the western outskirts of Moscow on Friday. IS members claimed responsibility for the attack. The United States warned Russia of the threat, but President Vladimir Putin publicly dismissed the warning as an attempt at intimidation.