France's Intel Shows Threat of Terror Attacks, Raises Security Levels

I don't know about you folks but there's something in the air. I certainly can't put my finger on it but I feel like a Mumbai-style attack or a Madrid-like train bombing is on the very near horizon. I'm not trying to be morbid here but there is definitely an uneasiness in Europe and this week, Obama administration officials have all but laid down and admitted that something is bound to happen.

Well, the French have captured intel that certainly points to some threats on public targets by terrorists and has thus heightened their anti-terror security levels. From the article at the BBC:

France is on heightened alert for possible terror attacks after intelligence suggested public places could be targeted, officials have said.

The officials, who spoke anonymously, said one tip-off suggested a female suicide bomber was planning to attack the transport system.

Without confirming the reports, Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux said "the terrorism threat is real".

He said the alert level was unchanged at "red" - the second-highest.

But speaking on Monday, Mr Hortefeux added: "As of today we have enhanced our vigilance."

I just had a discussion the other day with two others and the question came up as to where the next big terror strike would take place and three different answers were given - one person said Britain, one person said France and I said America. I don't think any of us had any real inside information on that but it shows how real the possibility is and how unknowing we are of the location.

France raises anti-terror security after tip-offs


France is on heightened alert for possible terror attacks after intelligence suggested public places could be targeted, officials have said.

The officials, who spoke anonymously, said one tip-off suggested a female suicide bomber was planning to attack the transport system.

Without confirming the reports, Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux said "the terrorism threat is real".

He said the alert level was unchanged at "red" - the second-highest.

But speaking on Monday, Mr Hortefeux added: "As of today we have enhanced our vigilance."

The minister did not provide details of specific threats or security measures taken by the authorities.

He was speaking after French police and counter-terrorism officials, who were speaking on condition of anonymity, said the authorities had received intelligence about a possible suicide bombing by a woman.

The officials appeared to have confirmed earlier reports by France's RTL radio that the authorities had been informed about the threat last week.

RTL said the alert came from French and North African sources.

French authorities have recently visibly beefed up police patrols at landmarks around the country.

Last week, some 2,000 people were evacuated after a false bomb alert at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.