President Emmanuel Macron, speaking from French Guiana on Monday, addressed the recent attack in Moscow, which claimed the lives of at least 137 individuals.

Macron stated that the Islamic State group, which claimed responsibility for the attack, “had conducted several attempts on our own soil in recent months.” He reiterated that this group had attempted to strike French territory multiple times.

Emphasising precautionary measures based on credible intelligence, Macron explained that France has elevated its Vigipirate alert level.

He pointed out that the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (IS-K), responsible for the Moscow attack, poses a threat to France and has been involved in thwarted terrorist plots across Europe, including in Germany and France, as previously clarified by Matignon.

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin affirmed Macron’s statement, confirming that numerous Islamic State plots had been foiled on French soil, notably towards the end of 2022.

He cited instances such as arrests in Strasbourg, preventing individuals from carrying out attacks.

Expressing solidarity with the Russian people, Macron expressed his desire to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.

He called for continued effective counterterrorism efforts against groups that operate across multiple countries, pledging enhanced cooperation with Russia on this matter.

Amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine, the Kremlin raised the possibility of Ukrainian involvement in the attack, despite the Islamic State’s claim.

Macron cautioned against manipulation or distortion of facts. He stated that French intelligence services believe it was indeed the Afghan branch of the Islamic State, IS-K, that orchestrated and executed the attack.

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