Russia heightens security following Paris terror attacks

Russian security agencies have heightened security across the country after deadly attacks in Paris, the country's National Anti-Terrorism Committee said Saturday.

"Relevant agencies are taking necessary measures to protect Russian citizens from terrorism. All elements of the security system have been put on alert," the committee said in a statement on its official website.

The committee also urged the Russian people to show their responsibilities and be more vigilant in light of new threats from international terrorist groups.

At least 127 people were killed and more than 200 injured in six coordinated attacks Friday night in Paris, according to the French police's latest report.

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent condolences to his French counterpart Francois Hollande, and called for concerted efforts of the international community to fight global terrorism.

Concerns about the security in Russia have been growing since Moscow launched its air campaign against targets of the Islamic State (IS) in Syria late September at the request of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

A Russia-bound A321 passenger jet crashed in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula on Oct. 31 shortly after takeoff from the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, killing all 224 people on board, mostly Russians.

Reports in Western media have bolstered the theory that the airplane was brought down by a bomb planted on board by terrorists in retaliation for Russia's ongoing military operation against the IS in Syria. Endi