Vučković: Terrorists sent a message that no one is safe, French intelligence failed

Security expert Mr. Vladimir Vučković shared his view on last night's terrorist attacks in Paris with the Patria News Agency.

- First of all, I want to extend my sincerest condolences to the French people and the families of the victims of last night's monstrous attack in Paris.

It is obvious that this was a classic act of terrorism aimed at destabilizing not only France but the entire Europe. The modus operandi and the coordinated timing are sufficient indicators that this was a synchronized and very well-prepared act. One of the biggest European derbies, between France and Germany, ended in bloodshed.

The terrorists' intention was to send a clear message that no one is safe. The attack on the stadium where French President François Hollande was present sent a message that an attack was carried out on French statehood and the achievements of its centuries-old civilization, says Vučković.

He reminds that the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the terrorist act, having announced attacks in Europe in a video message a few days ago.

- Many experts and analysts wondered about the symbolism of the boat with jihadists crossing the river at the end of the aforementioned video. It is obvious that this was a message of their imminent arrival in Europe, which came true last night.

It is interesting that last week France sent its aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle", the pride of its armed forces, towards Syria to intensify strikes against Islamist targets. In addition, Mr. John Kerry's strong boasting that one of the leaders of the Islamic State, Jihadi John, was killed and that its end was near, turned out to be premature, says Vučković.

He points out that the proactive measures of the French security forces were not adequately implemented.

- The French intelligence apparatus failed to obtain information about the preparation of the massacre. It is also interesting that the intelligence services of other countries did not have information about a possible attack in Paris, or perhaps they did not want to share it with the French. It is a painful fact for the proud French people that their services are unable to prevent even one of the two terrorist attacks in a very short period of time.

The epilogue of all this will be a more intense involvement of the NATO alliance in the fight against jihadists in Syria and Iraq, which will slow down the progress of the coalition led by Russia and Iran in achieving their geopolitical interests. Unfortunately, geopolitical interests are placed above human lives, the fate of nations, and the future of states.

The position of Muslims in Europe will be further complicated, as they will be labeled as terrorists and brought into potential conflicts with nationalist groups. And it is obvious that France needs a president like Charles de Gaulle, because no one after him could be an adequate replacement, concludes Vučković.