France: Place Vendôme (Paris) bomb scare false alarm Nov. 14 /update 1

Event

A security operation in response to a bomb scare near Place Vendôme in Paris on Tuesday, November 14, has concluded after it was found to be a false alarm. Normal movements in the area can resume.

Context

France has been on high alert against the threat of terrorism following a series of attacks perpetrated since 2015. Following the November 13, 2015, Paris attacks, which killed 130 people and injured another 413, then-President François Hollande declared a state of emergency. It was only lifted on November 1 this year, after President Emmanuel Macron passed a bill permanently providing additional powers to the police, including increased capability to search property, to engage in electronic surveillance, and to close establishments deemed to be extremist.

Advice

All those present in Paris are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.