France has issued a top-level alert and announced the deployment of 7,000 soldiers in reaction to the deadly stabbing of a teacher. Additionally, three other victims of the incident in the northeastern town of Arras are said to have suffered serious injuries.
Mohammed Moguchkov, the alleged attacker, is a Chechen. Police reportedly detained him after he yelled “Allahu akbar!” (God is greatest) in Arabic. In his 20s, Moguchkov is from Chechnya, a southern Caucasus area of Russia that is predominately populated by Muslims. He was already listed as a potential security danger on the “Fiche S” national register in France.
The incident has been condemned as an instance of “Islamist terror” by President Emmanuel Macron. He commended the victim’s bravery and said the teacher had “probably saved many lives” by fending off the attacker.
The soldiers are being sent out as part of Operation Sentinelle, a French military operation that was launched in the wake of the attacks in January 2015. 10,000 soldiers, 4,700 police, and gendarmes are deployed as part of this operation to safeguard vital areas of the nation against terrorism. Reports suggest that by Monday night, the deployment will be complete.
Along with Moguchkov, several of his family members were detained as part of the inquiry. An investigation into the incident has been launched by the national anti-terror prosecutor.
Following a security meeting presided over by President Macron, France has increased its alert level to the highest position. This action is being taken as officials speculate about a possible connection between this occurrence and the ongoing unrest in the Middle East.
This sad incident has once again made security and terrorism a hot topic in France. The country continues to be on high alert as investigations go on.