On Thursday, 14 July 2016, at about 2300hrs, a truck plowed into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, France killing approximately 84 people and seriously injuring 18 others. The terror attack took place along a two kilometre stretch of the Promenade des Anglais, the main street in Nice. Many had gathered along this street to witness the fireworks display that just ended.
The attack has not been claimed by any group, but President Hollande said in an address to the nation that the attack was of an undeniable terrorist nature. He said the state of emergency would be extended by a further three months and army reservists would be called up to boost security.
This attack is the third major strike against France in less than 18 months. It comes eight months after Daesh attacks in Paris left 130 people dead, dealing a hard blow to tourism in one of the top destinations in the world. France has been under a state of emergency ever since the November 13, 2015 Paris carnage, which came after 17 were killed in another attack in January 2015 at various sites including the offices of the Charlie Hebdo magazine and a Jewish supermarket.
Following the attack in Nice, the Embassy of Malaysia in Paris would like to advise all Malaysians in France to remain vigilant, take extra precautions, be aware of surroundings, and follow the advice of local authorities.
As the Government of France has announced a continued state of emergency in France means that security will be maintained at the maximum level where security forces will be mobilized throughout the country. Border controls have also been tightened. Travel via airports, rail links, and road transportation so far remain operational but please expect more security measures and some delays due to heightened security scrutiny, checks, and measures.
Those concerned about family members or friends in France may contact the Embassy at the following numbers +33 6 32 60 61 84/ +33 1 45 53 11 85.