France raises alert level to highest after 'Islamist terror' attack

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said France was now on the highest state of alert and the attack in Arras was linked to events in the Middle East, where Israel is carrying out a military offensive aimed at rooting out Hamas militants.

The scene of the attack at the Lycee Gambetta-Carnot high school in Arras, France on October 13, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Just a day earlier, Mr Macron had called on the French to remain united and refrain from bringing the Israel-Hamas conflict “home”.

Visiting the site of the attack, Mr Macron paid tribute to the dead teacher, Dominique Bernard. “He stepped in and certainly saved many lives,” Mr Macron said.

"Our choice is not to give in to terrorism, not to let anything divide us," the French President added.

A police source said the suspect was Mohamed M., a former student at the Gambetta Lycee High School where the attack took place. One of the attacker's brothers was also detained nearby.

The investigation has been handed over to the anti-terrorism prosecutor's office. Prosecutor Jean-Francois Ricard said multiple witnesses heard the attacker on Friday shouting "Allahu Akbar".

The attacker was on the state's 'Fiche S' watch list, which includes people considered potential security risks, a police source said. "Fiche S" contains thousands of names and only a small number are actively monitored.

Minister Darmanin said the man had been monitored by intelligence services and his phone had been tapped over the past few days because authorities had noticed suspicious behaviour but there was no indication an attack was planned.

Police sources described the man as a Chechen of Russian origin but some French media reported him as an Ingush of Russian origin.

The alleged attacker's brother is serving a prison sentence for links to an Islamist militant network and glorifying acts of terrorism, a security source said.

France has been the target of a series of Islamist attacks in recent years, the worst being simultaneous attacks by gunmen and suicide bombers on entertainment venues and cafes in Paris in November 2015.

Mai Van (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/phap-nang-muc-canh-bao-len-cao-nhat-sau-vu-tan-cong-khung-bo-hoi-giao-post268551.html