Paris on "red" alert after London blast
8/7/2005 9:44
Paris intensified security on Thursday after London blasts killed more than
33 people and injuring hundreds of others earlier in the day. Paris raised
the four-level security system (yellow, orange, red, scarlet) to "red" alert,
with increased patrols in train and metro stations and police random checks on
train passengers. With a "red" alert, France also closes down parts of its
air space, forbids private leisure aircraft to fly, and stocks potable water,
said a spokeswoman of the Paris police. "Now more than ever, our democracies
must come together and show that they are united against the terrorist menace,"
French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin said in a statement, adding " Now
more than ever, we have to show vigilance and determination." The attacks
occurred during morning rush hours in London's subways in the financial district
and on a bus in the center of the capital, one day after London beat out Paris
to host the 2012 Olympic Games and as G8 summit is being held in Scotland. At
least 33 people were killed and 340 others injured. A previously unknown
group which calls itself the Organization of Al Qaeda Jihad in Europe claimed
responsibility for the blasts and threatened similar attacks against Italy,
Denmark and other " Crusader" states with troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Xinhua news
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