Paris landmarks on terrorists’ list
American intelligence experts have said the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral are among top targets for an attack
THE EIFFEL Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral are among the top potential terrorist targets in Europe, according to the newspaper Le Monde.
The paper, citing the American channel Fox News, said two “high-up officials in the western intelligence services” have confirmed that the tower and cathedral figure on a list passed on by a Pakistani interrogated at a military base in Afghanistan.
They are said to be among sites selected because they attract a lot of people, along with, for example, the central station in Berlin. Security for the British royal family has also reportedly been increased.
Yesterday Washington warned Americans thinking of visiting Europe to be vigilant regarding potential risks of terrorist attacks, especially when they are using public transport or visiting popular tourist spots. “Current information allows us to think that al-Qaeda and allied organisations are continuing to prepare terrorist attacks,” an official statement said.
Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux said: “We are naturally being vigilant and take into account what our American allies say. We don’t want to worry our citizens; suitable measures have been taken. However, at the same time we must not be in denial and must remain on the alert.”
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