The almost simultaneous terror attack that struck France on Friday night, November 13, 2015 have claimed at least 128 lives. Another 200 people are wounded with French authorities listing 99 of them in critical condition. ISIS is claiming responsibility for the attacks, which French President Francois Hollande calls “An act of war”.
According to reports, eight gunmen and suicide bombers perpetrated the attacks, which were highly organized. The targets included bars, restaurants, a concert and a high-profile football match. President Hollande has declared three days of national mourning.
According to authorities, these were the deadliest attacks on French soil since WWII and the worst attack in Europe since the bombings in Madrid in 2004.
The attacks began shortly after 21:00 on Friday evening as people were enjoying a night out in the French capital. A gunman opened fire on Le Carillon bar in the rue Alibert, not far from the Place de la Republique, before heading across the road to Le Petit Cambodge (Little Cambodia), killing at least 12 people.
Attack sites
• La Belle Equipe, 92 rue de Charonne, 11th district – at least 19 dead in gun attacks
• Le Carillon bar and Le Petit Cambodge restaurant at rue Alibert, 10th district – at least 12 dead in gun attacks
• La Casa Nostra restaurant, 92 rue de la Fontaine au Roi, 11th district – at least 5 dead in gun attacks
• Stade de France, St Denis, just north of Paris – explosions heard outside venue, three attackers dead
• Bataclan concert venue, 50 Boulevard Voltaire, 11th district – stormed by four gunmen, at least 80 dead
The attack on the 1,500-seat Bataclan concert hall was the deadliest of Friday night’s attacks. Gunmen opened fire on a sell-out gig by US rock group Eagles of Death Metal, killing at least 80 people.
It is reported that ISIS carried out the attacks in retaliation for French intervention in Syria.
In Israel, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is being briefed and of course, various senior Israeli officials have sent condolences to their French counterpart and the French people. Foreign Ministry officials are meeting on motzei Shabbos to discuss what measures will be taken to increase security at Israeli diplomatic facilities in that country.
President Reuven Rivlin’s remarks on motzei Shabbos:
We are deeply grieved by the murderous terrorist attack yesterday, in the heart of Paris. On behalf of the citizens of Israel, I send my sincere condolences to the French people and to the families who lost their loved ones.
The State of Israel stands alongside you in your uncompromising struggle against terrorism.
Terrorism strikes indiscriminately, striking and killing the innocent. We, citizens of the free world, in the face of this threat, we stand united in our struggle against those who seek to kill and maim, and to use violence and destruction.
Our prayers are with the injured for a swift and full recovery. END
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is issuing a live statement in a televised event in a short time, motzei Shabbos at 18:45.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
French President Francois Hollande calls “An act of war”
So, I guess their response will be the same as every other time France has been involved in a war–a contest among their soldiers to see who can put their hands up in the air the fastest.