Violence intensifies fears of terrorism

Two knife-wielding attackers, several hostages, and a priest's throat cut - a few keywords of the latest terror attack that has rattled the nerves of millions in Europe and beyond, reinforcing the impression that the region is in the cross hairs of terrorists.

The attack, which occurred on Tuesday morning when churchgoers in the town of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray were gathering for the morning Mass, is also the latest atrocity claimed by the Islamic State group.

Despite low number of casualties, the attack still shocked France and Europe at large as it hit a small town far from bustling cities like Paris and Nice, prompting fears that terrorists have managed to penetrate deeper into the region.