France is shaken - so are we
France again. A new terror dimension has gripped the country, with suicide bombers causing a horrific bloodbath in Paris. In Switzerland, the security services are on heightened alert.
The terrorist night of yesterday, Friday in Paris writes a sad balance: A good 120 people were killed in the attacks, almost 200 people are injured - many of them seriously. According to witness reports, terrorists were shooting wildly, and bombs could also be heard exploding. On the basis of confession letters on the Internet, the attacks can be traced back to the Islamic State terrorist militia.
The brutal act occurred practically simultaneously in several places. It was a concerted action: in the center of Paris, but also at the Stade de France in the north of the city. The friendly match between Germany and France had just been played there. France's President Hollande, who was at the stadium at the time of the attacks, has declared a state of emergency. However, the country's borders are not closed, even though border controls have been tightened. Hollande has ordered three days of national mourning, and a minute of silence will be held in France on Monday.
According to information, the UN climate summit, which will soon take place in Paris, will be held as planned. The event will take place within the well-secured perimeter of the airport. The question still remains as to what impact the attack will have on another major event: the European Football Championship, which is scheduled for June 2016 in France.
Many governments from around the world have strongly condemned the dastardly terrorist attack; Iran, for example, called it an "inhumane crime."
The federal security services are on heightened alert, according to a statement from Bern. They are working closely with partner services in France, in consultation with the Swiss Embassy in Paris. The Federal Council will keep informed about the development of the situation.
