France: Authorities increase terror threat rating to highest level from March 24

French authorities have increased the nation's terror threat level (known as the Vigipirate level) to its highest rating, "emergency attack," effective March 24. The move is in response to the March 22 terror attack on the Crocus City Hall in Moscow; that incident left at least 144 people dead and 182 others wounded. The government in Paris noted that Islamic State-Khorasan Provence (ISIS-K), the group that claimed responsibility for the Moscow attack, has attempted attacks against France as well. It remains unclear how long the new threat level will remain in effect.

The new terror threat level enables French authorities to deploy strict security measures, including increasing law enforcement and military patrols in public places and on public transport. Security-related travel delays are possible at various transport hubs, including airports, railways stations, bus terminals, and on municipal public transport.