Over 120 dead in multiple terror attacks in Paris, emergency declared
Paris: At least 127 people were killed in the Paris attacks, with 180 people injured, 80 of them critically.French media reported that the death toll may rise in up to five attacks in the Paris
Paris: At least 127 people were killed in the Paris attacks, with 180 people injured, 80 of them critically.
French media reported that the death toll may rise in up to five attacks in the Paris region.
Paris police officials said security officials had launched an assault on the concert hall, killing at least two attackers.
The violence spread fear through the city and exceeded the horrors of the Charlie Hebdo carnage just 10 months ago.
Also Read: Terror incidents that rocked France in 2015
President Hollande declares state of emergency
French President Francois Hollande has declared the state of emergency on all mainland territory and Corsica during a Cabinet meeting urgently summoned at the Elysee palace on Friday night.
"The second measure will be the closure of national borders," Hollande said.
Under French law, the state of emergency can be decided in the event of "imminent danger following serious breaches of law and order."
The state of emergency allows state authorities to forbid the movement of persons and vehicles at specific times and places. They can also define protected areas and safety areas where the movement of persons is controlled.
The state of emergency also allows police to perform house searches day and night instead of performing them only at daylight.
No report of Indians killed in Paris
There is no report yet of any Indian killed or wounded in the deadly Paris terror attacks, the Indian embassy here said on Saturday.
"As of now there is no report of any Indian being killed," Deputy Chief Manish Prabhat told TimesNow television channel.
Prabhat said Paris was home to some 100,000 Indians.
Eiffel Tower goes dark
The Eiffel Tower goes dark in the wake of attacks which have killed more than 150 people.
It is also the deadliest terror attack in Europe since the 2004 Madrid train bombing that killed 191.
ISIS claims responsibility
Terror outfit ISIS has claimed the responsibility for the deadly attacks in Party.
Twitter accounts linked to jihadists celebrated the attacks in Paris.
According to the SITE Intelligence Group tracking militant sites, Twitter posts attributed to jihadist supporters are speculating which group may be responsible. Many users expressed belief that the Islamic State group could be behind the carnage.
They used Arabic-language hashtags that translated to "Paris on fire" and "Caliphate state strikes France."
SITE said that accounts also circulated pictures of the attacks, and one pro-ISIS channel accused France of sending warplanes to bomb Syria and says "today it drinks from the same cup."
Hollande, who had to be evacuated from the stadium when the bombs went off outside, said in a televised address that the nation would stand firm and united.
"This is a terrible ordeal that again assails us," he said, adding that 'we know where it comes from, who these criminals are, who these terrorists are'.
The attack comes as France has heightened security measures ahead of a major global climate conference that starts in two weeks, out of fear of violent protests and potential terrorist attacks.
Indian Embassy opens helpline number
Following the horrific serial attacks in Paris, the Indian Embassy in France has opened its helpline number for stranded Indian citizens in the terror struck city.
"Indian Embassy telephone 0140507070 open, we hope all Indians are safe. Our prayers with families affected and solidarity with France," Indian Ambassador to France Mohan Kumar tweeted.
World leaders express shock
Calling the attacks in and around Paris on Friday evening which had so far claimed over 40 lives "an outrageous attempt to terrorise innocent civilians," US President Barack Obama said the United States stood ready to provide assistance for the French government.
He also said US officials were "in contact with French counterparts to communicate condolences to families of the victims".
Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris , saying that the “news from Paris is anguishing and dreadful”.
The President said: "Strongly condemn terrorist attacks in Paris, India stands firmly by France, my heart goes out to its people."
Soon after the attacks, Modi tweeted: “News from Paris is anguishing & dreadful. Prayers with families of the deceased. We are united with people of France in this tragic hour.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she is "deeply shaken by the news and pictures that are reaching us from Paris." The German leader issued a statement saying her thoughts were with the victims "of the apparent terrorist attack."
The Secretary-General of the NATO alliance said that he is "deeply shocked by horrific Paris attacks."
Jens Stoltenberg said in a Twitter message that "We stand together with the people of #France. Terrorism will never defeat democracy."
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is condemning "the despicable terrorist attacks" in Paris and is demanding the immediate release of numerous hostages being held in the Bataclan theater.
US Secretary of State John Kerry described the attacks in Paris as "heinous, evil" and "vile," calling them "an assault on our common humanity." He said that US Embassy in Paris is "making every effort to account for the welfare of American citizens in the city."
'This is for Syria', Paris attackers shouted
Terrorists who killed more than 150 people in a string of terror attacks here shouted "This is for Syria" as they opened fire and exploded bombs, witnesses said.
Over 110 of the victims were massacred at a concert in the Bataclan theatre after terrorists burst in, opened fire and took hostages, forcing security forces to storm the venue.
France is a member of the US-led coalition combating the Islamic State.
President Hollande cancels G20 meeting attendance
ench President Francois Hollande cancelled his participation to this weekend's G20 meeting in Turkey following the deadly attacks in Paris.
A diplomatic source said finance minister Michel Sapin and foreign minister Laurent Fabius, who will first go to Vienna for the Syria talks, will attend the G20 meeting instead.
Eight militants killed in Paris attacks
A total of eight militants were killed, including seven by their suicide belts, during attacks in Paris that left at least 120 dead, a source close to the investigation said.
Four of the attackers were killed in the Bataclan concert hall, three by activating their suicide vests and one shot by police. Three more died near the national stadium and a fourth was killed in a street in eastern Paris.
Facebook sets up safety check
Facebook has launched a check-in feature to let people know that friends in Paris were safe after a series of bombings and shootings in the Paris.
The "Paris Terror Attacks" safety check let people signal whether they were out of harm's way, then notified all those they know at the leading social network.
"Quickly find and connect with friends in the area," a message at the Facebook Safety Check page read. "Mark them safe if you know they're OK." The feature also allowed people to check which friends listed as being in Paris had not yet checked in as safe.