French Government Reduces Level Of Terror Threat In Country

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th December, 2018) The French government said on Friday it had reduced the terror threat level in the country that was raised after Friday's shooting in Strasbourg.

"From today evening the Vigipirate plan [national security alert system] is implemented at the level of 'heightened security - risk of attack' throughout the country [from the level 'attack emergency']. Places of mass gathering, such as Christmas fairs, will be under increased control and protection," the French government said on its Twitter page.

On Tuesday, an attacker opened fire close to the Christmas market, leaving four people killed. The gunman was identified by police as a local resident named Cherif Chekatt, 29, who was known to the law enforcement for previous offenses. Late on Thursday, the French interior minister confirmed that the suspected shooter had been killed by police.

The Islamic State terror group (IS, outlawed in Russia) has claimed responsibility for the attack.