Paris attacks: Islamic State claims responsibility for Paris attacks

08:31, Nov 15 2015
French President Francois Hollande has called the attacks on Paris an 'act of war' and declared three days of mourning.

Islamic State claimed responsibility on Saturday (Sunday NZ Time) for attacks that killed 129 people in Paris, saying it sent militants strapped with suicide bombing belts and carrying machine guns to various locations in the heart of the capital.

The attacks, described by France's president as an act of war, were designed to show the country would remain in danger as long as it continued its current policies, Islamic State said in a statement.

"To teach France, and all nations following its path, that they will remain at the top of Islamic State's list of targets, and that the smell of death won't leave their noses as long as they partake in their crusader campaign," said the group.

Police take up position under the Eiffel Tower the morning after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
YVES HERMAN/REUTERS
Police take up position under the Eiffel Tower the morning after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.

French President Francois Hollande said the violence was organised from abroad by Islamic State with internal help.

"Faced with war, the country must take appropriate action," he said, without saying what that meant.

The attacks at a stadium, concert hall and cafes and restaurants in northern and eastern Paris were "an act of war committed by Daesh that was prepared, organised and planned from outside (of France)" with help from inside France, Hollande said, using the Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

People take part in a vigil to pay tribute to the victims of the Paris attacks, at Trafalgar Square in London.
1 of 62PETER NICHOLLS/Reuters
People take part in a vigil to pay tribute to the victims of the Paris attacks, at Trafalgar Square in London.
A woman places a rose on a screen in response to attacks in Paris at Washington Square Park in Manhatten
2 of 62LUCAS JACKSON/Reuters
A woman places a rose on a screen in response to attacks in Paris at Washington Square Park in Manhatten
People take part in a vigil to pay tribute to the victims of the Paris attacks, at Trafalgar Square in London.
3 of 62PETER NICHOLLS/REUTERS
People take part in a vigil to pay tribute to the victims of the Paris attacks, at Trafalgar Square in London.
A memorial started in response to attacks in Paris lies on the ground at Washington Square Park in Manhattan.
4 of 62LUCAS JACKSON/Reuters
A memorial started in response to attacks in Paris lies on the ground at Washington Square Park in Manhattan.
A woman takes part in a vigil to pay tribute to the victims of the Paris attacks, at Trafalgar Square in London.
5 of 62PETER NICHOLLS/ REUTERs
A woman takes part in a vigil to pay tribute to the victims of the Paris attacks, at Trafalgar Square in London.
People take part in a vigil to pay tribute to the victims of the Paris attacks, at Trafalgar Square in London.
6 of 62PETER NICHOLLS/Reuters
People take part in a vigil to pay tribute to the victims of the Paris attacks, at Trafalgar Square in London.
A rose placed in a bullet hole in a restaurant window the day after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
7 of 62PASCAL ROSSIGNOL/REUTERS
A rose placed in a bullet hole in a restaurant window the day after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
Candles in blue, white and red, the colors of the flag of France are pictured during a ceremony for the victims the day after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
8 of 62DENIS BALIBOUSE/Reuters
Candles in blue, white and red, the colors of the flag of France are pictured during a ceremony for the victims the day after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
Flowers and candles are placed near the scene of a shooting the day after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
9 of 62YVES HERMAN/Reuters
Flowers and candles are placed near the scene of a shooting the day after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
A woman pays her respect the day after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
10 of 62CHRISTIAN HARTMANN/Reuters
A woman pays her respect the day after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
An Iranian man lights a candle next to flowers in tribute to the victims of Paris attacks, outside the French embassy in Tehran.
11 of 62TIMA
An Iranian man lights a candle next to flowers in tribute to the victims of Paris attacks, outside the French embassy in Tehran.
A woman pays her respect near the Bataclan concert hall the day after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
12 of 62CHRISTIAN HARTMANN/Reuters
A woman pays her respect near the Bataclan concert hall the day after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
A protester sticks a black ribbon printed on paper to a French flag during a demonstration of Spanish Civil Guards in Madrid to show solidarity with their French neighbours.
13 of 62SUSANA VERA/Reuters
A protester sticks a black ribbon printed on paper to a French flag during a demonstration of Spanish Civil Guards in Madrid to show solidarity with their French neighbours.
People pay tribute to victims of Paris attacks, in front of the French embassy in Athens, Greece.
14 of 62MICHALIS KARAGIANNIS/Reuters
People pay tribute to victims of Paris attacks, in front of the French embassy in Athens, Greece.
A woman lights a candle for the victims of the Paris attacks in front of the French embassy in Rome, Italy.
15 of 62REMO CASILLI/Reuters
A woman lights a candle for the victims of the Paris attacks in front of the French embassy in Rome, Italy.
Flowers and candles are placed for the victims of the Paris attacks in front of the French embassy in Rome.
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Flowers and candles are placed for the victims of the Paris attacks in front of the French embassy in Rome.
Flowers and candles are placed near the scene of a shooting the day after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
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Flowers and candles are placed near the scene of a shooting the day after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
Flowers and candles near the scene of a Paris shooting.
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Flowers and candles near the scene of a Paris shooting.
A message is written on a statue near the scene of a shooting in Paris.
19 of 62YVES HERMAN/Reuters
A message is written on a statue near the scene of a shooting in Paris.
Flowers and candles are seen placed outside the Le Carillon restaurant the morning after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
20 of 62CHRISTIAN HARTMANN/Reuters
Flowers and candles are seen placed outside the Le Carillon restaurant the morning after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
A policeman stands guard outside the Le Carillon restaurant the morning after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
21 of 62CHRISTIAN HARTMANN/Reuters
A policeman stands guard outside the Le Carillon restaurant the morning after a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
A girl looks on during a vigil in Aotea Square to remember victims of the Paris attacks.
22 of 62HANNAH PETERS / GETTY IMAGES
A girl looks on during a vigil in Aotea Square to remember victims of the Paris attacks.
Abandoned clothes of victims are taken out of the Bataclan concert hall the morning after the attack.
23 of 62CHARLES PLATIAU / REUTERS
Abandoned clothes of victims are taken out of the Bataclan concert hall the morning after the attack.
A policeman places flowers outside the Bataclan concert hall the morning after the deadly attacks.
24 of 62CHARLES PLATIAU / REUTERS
A policeman places flowers outside the Bataclan concert hall the morning after the deadly attacks.
More than 100 people gathered in Auckland's Aotea Square to express support for the French people.
25 of 62BEVAN READ / FAIRFAX NZ
More than 100 people gathered in Auckland's Aotea Square to express support for the French people.
People place flowers at a makeshift memorial outside the Consulate General of France in San Francisco.
26 of 62STEPHEN LAM / REUTERS
People place flowers at a makeshift memorial outside the Consulate General of France in San Francisco.
US President Barack Obama is briefed on the Paris attacks.
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US President Barack Obama is briefed on the Paris attacks.
USA; A student holds a sign in recognition of the attacks in Paris before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the St. Francis Red Flash at the Purcell Pavilion.
28 of 62Matt Cashore
USA; A student holds a sign in recognition of the attacks in Paris before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the St. Francis Red Flash at the Purcell Pavilion.
People hug on the street near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal attacks in Paris, France.
29 of 62CHRISTIAN HARTMANN
People hug on the street near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal attacks in Paris, France.
French police stand near people warming up on a street before being evacuated by bus near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal attacks in Paris, France.
30 of 62PHILIPPE WOJAZER / REUTERS
French police stand near people warming up on a street before being evacuated by bus near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal attacks in Paris, France.
People hug on the street near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal attacks in Paris, France.
31 of 62CHRISTIAN HARTMANN
People hug on the street near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal attacks in Paris, France.
People gather outside the La Pitie Salpetriere following a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
32 of 62GONZALO FUENTES
People gather outside the La Pitie Salpetriere following a series of deadly attacks in Paris.
A French policeman speaks to a victim wearing a protective thermal wrap near the Bataclan concert hall following attacks in Paris, France.
33 of 62CHRISTIAN HARTMANN
A French policeman speaks to a victim wearing a protective thermal wrap near the Bataclan concert hall following attacks in Paris, France.
Football fans who watched the France-Germany match, near where bombs exploded, speak about panic and confusion inside the stadium. Nathan Frandino reports.
34 of 62REUTERS
Football fans who watched the France-Germany match, near where bombs exploded, speak about panic and confusion inside the stadium. Nathan Frandino reports.
Security forces signal journalists to move back as they secure the area near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
35 of 62CHRISTIAN HARTMANN
Security forces signal journalists to move back as they secure the area near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
French police with protective shields walk in line near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
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French police with protective shields walk in line near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
French police secure the area outside a cafe near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris.
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French police secure the area outside a cafe near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris.
People react as they gather to watch the scene near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
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People react as they gather to watch the scene near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
French police secure the area near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
39 of 62PHILIPPE WOJAZER
French police secure the area near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
French fire brigade members gather near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
40 of 62CHRISTIAN HARTMANN
French fire brigade members gather near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
Security forces signal journalists to move back as they secure the area near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris.
41 of 62CHRISTIAN HARTMANN
Security forces signal journalists to move back as they secure the area near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris.
French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France,.
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French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France,.
A medic tends to a man November 13, 2013 in Paris, France. Gunfire and explosions in multiple locations erupted in the French capital with early casualty reports indicating at least 60 dead.
43 of 62Thierry Chesnot
A medic tends to a man November 13, 2013 in Paris, France. Gunfire and explosions in multiple locations erupted in the French capital with early casualty reports indicating at least 60 dead.
Police stand outside the Stade de France where explosions were reported to have detonated outside the stadium during the France vs German friendly soccer match near Paris.
44 of 62BENOIT TESSIER/REUTERS
Police stand outside the Stade de France where explosions were reported to have detonated outside the stadium during the France vs German friendly soccer match near Paris.
Investigators work outside a bar near the Stade de France where explosions were reported to have detonated outside the stadium during the France vs German friendly soccer match near Paris.
45 of 62GONZALO FUENTES
Investigators work outside a bar near the Stade de France where explosions were reported to have detonated outside the stadium during the France vs German friendly soccer match near Paris.
A policeman patrols after shots are heard in the Bataclan concert hall in Paris.
46 of 62Antoine Antoniol
A policeman patrols after shots are heard in the Bataclan concert hall in Paris.
A French policeman assists a blood-covered victim near the Bataclan concert hall following attacks in Paris, France.
47 of 62PHILIPPE WOJAZER / REUTERS
A French policeman assists a blood-covered victim near the Bataclan concert hall following attacks in Paris, France.
An injured man holds his head as people gather near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
48 of 62CHRISTIAN HARTMANN
An injured man holds his head as people gather near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
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French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
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French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
51 of 62CHRISTIAN HARTMANN
French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
Spectators are distressed after news of the bombing and terrorist attacks in Paris reaches the fans after the International Friendly match between France and Germany at the Stade de France.
52 of 62Adam Pretty
Spectators are distressed after news of the bombing and terrorist attacks in Paris reaches the fans after the International Friendly match between France and Germany at the Stade de France.
Crowds leave the Stade de France where explosions were reported to have detonated outside the stadium during the France vs German friendly match near Paris.
53 of 62GONZALO FUENTES
Crowds leave the Stade de France where explosions were reported to have detonated outside the stadium during the France vs German friendly match near Paris.
French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
54 of 62CHRISTIAN HARTMANN
French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
French riot police secure the area near the Bataclan concert hall following a fatal shooting at a restaurant in Paris, France.
55 of 62CHRISTIAN HARTMANN/ REUTERS
French riot police secure the area near the Bataclan concert hall following a fatal shooting at a restaurant in Paris, France.
A member of the French fire brigade aids an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
56 of 62CHRISTIAN HARTMANN
A member of the French fire brigade aids an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France.
supporters run in panic on the pitch during the International friendly match between France and Germany on November 13, 2015 at the Stade France in Paris, France.
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supporters run in panic on the pitch during the International friendly match between France and Germany on November 13, 2015 at the Stade France in Paris, France.
A general view of police at the scene on Boulevard Beaumarchais following a shooting in Paris, France. 26 people have reportedly been killed following a series of violent incidents in and around Paris.
58 of 62David Wolff - Patrick
A general view of police at the scene on Boulevard Beaumarchais following a shooting in Paris, France. 26 people have reportedly been killed following a series of violent incidents in and around Paris.
A general view of police at the scene on Boulevard Beaumarchais following a shooting in Paris, France. 26 people have reportedly been killed following a series of violent incidents in and around Paris. (Photo by David Wolff - Patrick/Getty Images)
59 of 62David Wolff - Patrick
A general view of police at the scene on Boulevard Beaumarchais following a shooting in Paris, France. 26 people have reportedly been killed following a series of violent incidents in and around Paris. (Photo by David Wolff - Patrick/Getty Images)
The scene of one of the attacks in Paris.
60 of 62Supplied
The scene of one of the attacks in Paris.
A general view of the scene that shows rescue services near the covered bodies outside a restaurant following a shooting incident in Paris, France.
61 of 62PHILIPPE WOJAZER
A general view of the scene that shows rescue services near the covered bodies outside a restaurant following a shooting incident in Paris, France.
This was one of the first images of the Paris attack to appear on social media.
62 of 62redmor11/Twitter
This was one of the first images of the Paris attack to appear on social media.

One of the gunmen who died after attacking a Paris concert hall had French nationality and was known to have ties with Islamist militants, a source close to the inquiry into a series of deadly attacks in Paris said.

The same source said that the gunman's body had been identified by his fingerprints and that he was from the Courcouronnes suburb south of Paris.

Earlier, sources close to the investigation said that a Syrian passport had been found near the body of one of the suicide bombers who blew himself up near a Paris football stadium in one of the other attacks.

REUTERS
France is rocked by multiple, near-simultaneous attacks on Paris with 120 dead.

French media also said that an Egyptian passport had been found near the body of a second suicide bomber at the site.

Earlier on Saturday, Islamic State redistributed a video, that first appeared on the internet a year ago, threatening to attack France if bombings of its fighters continued.

The group's foreign media arm, Al-Hayat Media Centre, made threats through several militants who called on French Muslims to carry out attacks.

People around the world rallied to support Parisians after the coordinated deadly attacks.
DANIEL MUNOZ/GETTY IMAGES
People around the world rallied to support Parisians after the coordinated deadly attacks.

"As long as you keep bombing you will not live in peace. You will even fear traveling to the market," said one of the militants, identified as Abu Maryam the Frenchman.

Hollande said the attacks were "an act of war".

The location of the Islamic State fighters in the video was not clear and it was not possible to determine when it was filmed, but the message was unmistakable.

The fighters, who appeared to be French citizens, sat cross-legged in a group wearing fatigues and holding weapons in what appeared to be a wooded area. The video showed the militants burning passports.

"Indeed you have been ordered to fight the infidel wherever you find him - what are you waiting for?," said Abu Maryam.

"Know that jihad in this time is obligatory on all."

Another militant, identified as Abu Salman the Frenchman, said: "There are weapons and cars available and targets ready to be hit. Even poison is available, so poison the water and food of at least one of the enemies of Allah."

"Terrorize them and do not allow them to sleep due to fear and horror," he added.

Foreign fighters who join Islamic State, the group which controls large swathes of Iraq and Syria, are seen as especially dangerous because Western passports enable them to live in and travel to Western countries undetected.

Another militant in the video, identified as Abu Osama the Frenchman, appealed to Muslims living in France to head to Syria to wage jihad, in "a message from your French brothers".

"Jihad is the path of Allah You strengthen their economy and pay taxes which they use to fight us, and kill our sister, our women and our children," he said.

"Are you not embarrassed? Repent to your Lord and come join us. Because a day may come when the borders will be closed and you will be left only with tears and regret."

The assaults came as France, a founder member of the US-led coalition waging air strikes against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, was on high alert for terrorist attacks.

It was the worst such attack in Europe since the Madrid train bombings of 2004, in which 191 died.

READ MORE: 

* Death toll climbs in Paris terror attack
* World leaders condemn attacks
* Terror inside Le Bataclan concert hall as gunmen open fire 
* New Zealander caught up in Paris attacks 
* Auckland grieves with France 
* Parisians open doors to those who need shelter 
* World prays for Paris

VIDEO: Paris in shock after shootings, bombings  PHOTOS: Latest images from Paris

Hollande said the attacks had been organised from abroad by Islamic State "barbarians", with internal help. Sources close to the investigation said a Syrian passport had been found near the body of one of the suicide bombers.

"Faced with war, the country must take appropriate action," Hollande said after an emergency meeting of security chiefs. He also announced three days of national mourning.

Former president Nicolas Sarkozy added in a statement: "The war we must wage should be total."

During a visit to Vienna, US Secretary of State John Kerry said "we are witnessing a kind of medieval and modern fascism at the same time."

In its claim of responsibility, Islamic State said the attacks were a response to France's campaign against its fighters.

It also distributed an undated video in which a militant said France would not live peacefully as long it took part in US-led bombing raids against them.

"As long as you keep bombing you will not live in peace. You will even fear travelling to the market," said a bearded Arabic-speaking militant, flanked by other fighters.

A French government source told Reuters there were 127 dead, 67 in critical condition and 116 wounded. Six attackers blew themselves up and one was shot by police. There may have been an eighth attacker, but this was not confirmed.

The attacks, in which automatic weapons and explosives belts were used, lasted 40 minutes.

"The terrorists, the murderers, raked several cafe terraces with machine-gun fire before entering (the concert hall). There were many victims in terrible, atrocious conditions in several places," police prefect Michel Cadot told reporters.

STATE OF EMERGENCY

After being whisked from the stadium near the blasts, Hollande declared a national state of emergency, the first since World War Two. Border controls were temporarily reimposed to stop perpetrators escaping.

Local sports events were suspended, department stores closed, the rock band U2 cancelled a concert, and schools, universities and municipal buildings were ordered to stay shut on Saturday. Some rail and air services were expected to run.

Sylvestre, a young man who was at the Stade de France when bombs went off there, said he was saved by his cellphone, which he was holding to his ear when debris hit it.

"This is the cell phone that took the hit, it's what saved me," he said. "Otherwise my head would have been blown to bits," he said, showing the phone with its screen smashed.

French newspapers spoke of "carnage" and "horror". Le Figaro's headline said: "War in the heart of Paris" on a black background with a picture of people on stretchers.

Emergency services were mobilised, police leave was cancelled, 1500 army reinforcements were drafted into the Paris region and hospitals recalled staff to cope with the casualties.

Radio stations warned Parisians to stay at home and urged residents to give shelter to anyone caught out in the street.

The deadliest attack was on the Bataclan, a popular concert venue where the Californian rock group Eagles of Death Metal was performing. Some witnesses in the hall said they heard the gunmen shout Islamic chants and slogans condemning France's role in Syria.

The hall is near the former offices of the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo. France has been on high alert since Islamist gunmen attacked the paper and a kosher supermarket in January, killing 18 people.

Those attacks briefly united France in defence of freedom of speech, with a mass demonstration of more than a million people. But that unity has since broken down, with far-right populist Marine Le Pen gaining on both mainstream parties by blaming immigration and Islam for France's security problems.

It was not clear what political impact the latest attacks would have less than a month before regional elections in which Le Pen's National Front is set to make further advances.

The governing Socialist Party and the National Front suspended their election campaigns.

US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel led a global chorus of solidarity with France. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the "despicable attacks" while Pope Francis called the killings "inhuman".

France ordered increased security at its sites abroad. Italy, Russia, Belgium, Hungary and the Netherlands also tightened security measures.

Poland, meanwhile, said that the attacks meant it could not now take its share of migrants under a European Union plan. Many of the migrants currently flooding into Europe are refugees from Syria.

Julien Pearce, a journalist from Europe 1 radio, was inside the concert hall when the shooting began. In an eyewitness report posted on the station's website, Pearce said several very young individuals, who were not wearing masks, entered the hall during the concert, armed with Kalashnikov assault rifles and started "blindly shooting at the crowd".

"There were bodies everywhere," he said.

POINT-BLANK

The gunmen shot their victims in the back, finishing some off at point-blank range before reloading their guns and firing again, Pearce said, after escaping into the street by a stage door, carrying a wounded girl on his shoulder.

Toon, a 22-year-old messenger who lives near the Bataclan, was going into the concert hall with two friends at around 10.30pm (10.30am NZT) when he saw three young men dressed in black and armed with machine guns. He stayed outside.

One of the gunmen began firing into the crowd. "People were falling like dominoes," he told Reuters. He saw people shot in the leg, shoulder and back, with several lying on the floor, apparently dead.

Two explosions were heard near the Stade de France in the northern suburb of Saint-Denis, where the France-Germany football match was being played. A witness said one of the detonations blew people into the air outside a McDonald's restaurant opposite the stadium.

In central Paris, shooting erupted in mid-evening outside a Cambodian restaurant in the capital's 10th district.

Eighteen people were killed when a gunman opened fire on Friday night diners sitting at outdoor terraces in the popular Charonne area nearby in the 11th district.

The prosecutor mentioned five locations in close proximity where shootings took place around the same time.

Reuters