Brussels (Brussels Morning) – Belgian citizens in France warned of increased threat levels post-Moscow massacre, advised to avoid large gatherings amid heightened security measures.
Belgian citizens in France are urged to exercise caution due to increased threat levels, following recent events such as the Moscow concert hall massacre. French authorities have also heightened security measures, advising avoidance of crowded areas. Vigilance and adherence to local directives are emphasized by Belgian officials amid ongoing monitoring.
Belgian citizens currently in France are urged to avoid large gatherings and areas with many people, according to the latest recommendation for France on the website of the Belgian Foreign Ministry. Following the episode on a concert hall in the Russian capital Moscow in which 137 people were massacred last week, the French Government increased its threat level. The attack in Russia was declared by the terrorist organisation ISKP (Islamic State Khorasan Province), which had also attempted to carry out attacks in France, expressed French President Emmanuel Macron.
“The most heightened threat level, called urgence attentat, applies to the whole of France. French authorities may announce specific measures in this context,” states a statement on Belgium’s, Foreign Affairs Ministry’s website. “Belgian residents in the country should be very vigilant, avoid large gatherings and places with a big number of people, and follow the directives of local authorities,” it added.
The increased threats apply mainly in larger cities, according to the French Government. By changing to the highest threat level, the authorities can deploy more security efforts to protect citizens – particularly because of the Olympic Games taking place in Paris this summer.
In the meantime, Belgium’s Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) said that there is “no reason to increase the threat level in our country,” based on current information from the Coordination Organ for Threat Analysis (OCAD). Presently, Belgium is at threat level 3, indicating an attack is “possible and probable.”
An upscaling to level 4 (the most increased level), however, would suggest that the threat is “serious and very close” – which is not required, based on the intelligence currently unrestricted to OCAD, she emphasised. On Thursday night, terror group IS reported attacks worldwide. “It goes without stating that the services are closely observing the situation together with their foreign colleagues. The situation is constantly monitored,” Verlinden stated. Earlier on Friday, the Netherlands also pulled its travel advice for France, changing it from ‘green’ to ‘yellow’ – meaning travel to France is feasible, but travellers across the country should be extra vigilant. The attacks are believed to be linked to France’s involvement in the international coalition fighting the terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria. The Dutch Foreign Ministry is urging citizens to be extra vigilant and to follow the advice issued by the French government.
In light of recent events, Belgian citizens currently residing in France must exercise utmost caution, as urged by the latest advisories from the Belgian Foreign Ministry. The heightened threat level in France, following the tragic incident in Moscow and ongoing concerns regarding potential terrorist activities, underscores the imperative for vigilance, particularly in densely populated areas and during large gatherings.
While the threat remains elevated, Belgian authorities emphasize the importance of heeding local directives and maintaining awareness. Despite assurances from Belgium’s Interior Minister regarding the current threat level, continuous monitoring and cooperation with international partners are paramount. As neighbouring nations adjust travel advisories, collective vigilance remains essential in ensuring the safety of all individuals.
