Over 100 dead in Paris attacks: bomb blasts at Stade de France, deadliest attack at Bataclan Concert Hall
Updated Nov 14, 1.50pm AEDT Police say all attackers are dead, although authorities are still investigating possible accomplices.
At least 140 people have been killed after multiple gun and bomb attacks took place across Paris on Friday, Nov. 13, at around 9.30pm local time (Sat morning AEDT). The death toll is expected to continue rising in the deadliest violence the city has seen since World War II, the AP reports.
The attacks, apparently coordinated, took place at seven locations in Paris, including a Cambodian restaurant and a bar.
Gunmen took up to 60 people hostage at the Bataclan Concert Hall, where a rock concert was taking place, with the BBC reporting that the deadliest attack appears to have targeted the venue. According to official figures, at least 70 people were killed at the theatre, which has a capacity of up to 1,500 people.
"Eagles of Death Metal", a U.S. band, was performing at the venue, which is located near the Charlie Hebdo offices, where 11 people were killed by two Islamic gunmen 10 months ago. According to the AFP, a witness at Bataclan said an attacker had shouted "This is for Syria".
We are still currently trying to determine the safety and whereabouts of all our band and crew. Our thoughts are with all of the people involved in this tragic situation.
Posted by Eagles Of Death Metal on Friday, November 13, 2015
According to Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, many concert-goers were able to escape when the terrorists entered the venue.
First horrific #video for the hostages after they were freed from #Bataclan Hall in #Paris #France.. pic.twitter.com/KyP4HOzPk6
— Rami (@RamiAlLolah) November 14, 2015
More were killed in reported suicide bomb attacks near the Stade de France, the national stadium of France, where a friendly soccer match between France and Germany was taking place. French police has confirmed three casualties following a bombing at Gate J of the arena. The vine below shows the moment a bomb goes off during the game:
There are reports that at least one gunman opened fire at the Petit Cambodge restaurant, situated in Paris's 10th district, and the nearby Le Carillon Bar.
CityLab has mapped out the confirmed locations where the attacks took place:
French president Francois Hollande, who was evacuated from the Stade de France, has declared a national state of emergency and closed off French borders. The Paris Metro has also been shut down.
He said the attackers will be fought "without mercy".
Military forces have been deployed across the city, and French media are reporting that five terrorists have been killed, including three suspected attackers at Bataclan.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks yet.
The Australian government has extended its condolences to France, and confirmed that there are no reports of Australians killed and injured yet.
Bishop noted that one Australian citizen in the vicinity of the attacks had contacted the emergency consular number, which immediately made arrangements to locate him, and can confirm he is safe.
"This is indeed a black Friday for France and the world," she said.
"We have offered all assistance to the French authroities and we stand with the French people in condemning these devastating attacks.
"It is apparent that the French people and their way of life are under attack. No organisation has yet claimed responsibility. We don't know who has carried out these attacks...[but it has] all the hallmarks of the terrorist attacks we've seen in recent times by ISIL, Daesh and similar organisations."
She urged all Australians in Paris to heed the French Government's advice and stay indoors. At least 2,500 Australians are registered with the consulate in Paris, but it is believed that the actual number of Australians on the ground is higher.
Any Australian worried about loved ones and friends in Paris can call the 24-hour consular emergency number, 1300 555 135, or +61262613305 if overseas.
World reacts
U.S. President Barack Obama has condemned the devastating attacks, saying: “Those who think they can terrorise the people of France and the values they stand for are wrong.”
U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron also tweeted:
Belgium has reportedly closed off its borders, and American Airlines has halted all flights to Paris.
Meanwhile, Parisians are using the #PortOuverte hashtag, which means "door open", to offer their homes to those stranded and in need.
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