The horror that exploded in Paris last week, with terrorists unleashing an attack that claimed at least 129 lives, ruptured the atmosphere throughout France and sent shock waves around the world. It became clear that no one is really safe anywhere, as long as there are groups committed to destroy those who choose freedom over tyranny.

The attacks in Paris, which left more than 300 in hospital, were nothing short of monstrous, as the killers moved about taking lives as though those who fell were pawns in a chess game. Innocent people from all walks of life were slaughtered as they participated in what they surely felt was an evening out in a place known for its beauty and charm.

As world leaders tried to absorb a night of carnage that left blood flowing on the streets of Paris, one of the most popular cities in the world, information pouring in began to paint a grim picture of the dark, violent objectives of terrorist groups, who in recent years have left a trail of victims without regard for life or common values that most regard as basic human rights.

The bloody event was so gruesome, it prompted the President of France, François Hollande, to describe it as, “an act of war”, and he vowed to use every resource to hunt and punish those responsible.

Not since the Second World War had France experienced such human tragedy, although just a year ago, Paris was the scene of the cold-blooded murder of employees of the French satirical publication Charlie Hebdo. That incident enraged journalists around the world who felt material they used while being sensitive to some extremist groups should not have been grounds for a death sentence.

This latest act of mass murder in such a prominent city, by a group with no fear of being killed, has leading nations such as the United States, Britain and Russia scrambling to review security measures in the hope of preventing a similar situation on their soil. With the notorious Isis group based mainly in Syria, which has been in a state of civil war for some time, finding a way to crush them will certainly be a challenge.

In fact, some political observers believe the overall threat from terrorism is of such importance that leading nations will be drawn closer, despite standing disagreements on many issues, to form a united front against an enemy that could put world peace under siege. The world will be watching to see what type of response will take place to halt the expanding arm of deadly terrorists.

Isis, which has been under attack for some time by rebel forces in Syria, has suffered heavy losses, according to reports, with the rebels being assisted by military advisers from the US, along with France. With Russia also targeting its operations, the terrorist group could be seeking new ways to push its deadly motives.

The recent crash of a Russian airliner over Egypt that killed more than 200 was proved by investigators to be the work of a terrorist bomb. Such incidents can have a devastating effect on global tourism.

People need to feel safe when they travel from one country to another and, apart from terrorism on the ground, they are not likely to board an aircraft unless they are confident every precaution has been taken to keep them safe. It is a continuing challenge for every carrier; they know nothing should be taken for granted.

Meanwhile, our thoughts return to those many innocent victims in Paris who fell victim to the disease called terrorism. Much of the world has shown its full support in rallying behind France; perhaps the leading nations will do likewise. It will take a unified approach to stem the tide of having people killed simply because they choose peace and freedom.

We in Bermuda have much to be grateful for, even with our squabbles over this or that issue.

The Paris tragedy may be thousands of miles away, but when innocent people are killed anywhere, it should be a concern for the world community. Bermuda is a part of that community.