Terrorists launched a total of six coordinated attacks at high-profile sites in Paris including the Louvre art gallery and the Les Halles shopping centre on Friday night, it has been claimed.
French President Francoise Hollande declared a state of emergency for the whole of France following what he called "unprecedented terror attacks", and shut all of its borders with immediate effect.
President Hollande said: "France needs to be strong. Terrorists want us to be scared. In the face of terror we must be united."
Paris’ deputy mayor said the attacks were a horrific reminder of the Charlie Hebdo massacre in January, adding: "It’s a heavy recollection of what happened in January.
"Now we are struck again. This is harder. I am shaken."
David Cameron said that he was "shocked by events in Paris" and pledged to do "whatever we can to help", adding: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the French people."
President Barack Obama made a statement saying the United States is “prepared and ready” to provide assistance to France, who he described as America’s “oldest ally”.
“This is an attack not just on Paris. It’s an attack not just on the people of France. But this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values we share,” he said.
“This is a heartbreaking situation.”
Obama was been briefed on the situation by Homeland Security Adviser Lisa Monaco.
The attacks come two weeks before David Cameron, Obama and other world leaders are due to travel to Paris for climate talks.
The US President added: “We’re going to do whatever it takes to bring these terrorists to justice.”
Witness Andrew Smith said on Twitter: “Hostages from the theatre have been released and are walking down rue Oberkampf. Some are literally shaking with fear.
“They are hugging each other. One guy fainted on reaching the relative safety of our street.
“I’m watching the casualties go by our front window and I’m starting to feel anger.”
“A few people on stretchers are being wheeled past us. Gunshot wounds in chest.”
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου