France: Bedbugs send shivers through Paris

A widespread bedbug outbreak has caused an alarming situation in Paris. The French authorities vowed to act as blood-sucking insects infested Paris, which is preparing to host next year's summer Olympics.

How will France address its latest police shooting?

 

Police near Paris shot and killed a 17-year-old during a traffic stop on Tuesday.

A long-simmering anger against police brutality in the suburbs of France has turned into nationwide protests.

They were in response to the police shooting of a 17-year-old at a traffic stop on Tuesday.

How will France address its latest police shooting?

 

Police near Paris shot and killed a 17-year-old during a traffic stop on Tuesday.

A long-simmering anger against police brutality in the suburbs of France has turned into nationwide protests.

Paris explosion: More than 20 injured after blast

 

Twenty-nine people have been injured, four of them seriously, after a large explosion in central Paris.

The blast took place in a building that housed a design school and the Catholic education system headquarters in Rue Saint-Jacques, in the fifth arrondissement of the French capital.

Emergency workers are searching through the wreckage of the building, with at least two thought to be missing.

According to witnesses, there was a strong smell of gas before the blast.

Olympic cleanup: swimming in the Seine • FRANCE 24 English

 Swimming in the Seine has long been forbidden but taking a dip in the iconic river could soon become a reality. Just in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Paris has embarked on its most ambitious bid yet to clean up one the world’s busiest waterways.

LIVE: Protesters in Paris demonstrate for a sixth day against newly adopted pension reforms

 

Reuters

Reuters

Bataclan: Verdicts handed down in 2015 Paris attacks trial

 

A French court in Paris has handed down a guilty verdict against the sole surviving perpetrator of the deadliest Islamist terror attacks in the history of France.

2015 Paris attacks trial begins, the biggest in France's modern history - BBC News

 

A historic trial has started in France over the 2015 Paris attacks which left 130 people dead. The shooting and bombing assault by Islamist State (IS) group extremists was the worst post-World War Two atrocity in France.

Paris police fire tear gas at angry protesters | DW News

 

Clashes broke out at protests in Paris against police brutality and a controversial new security law. Some demonstrators torched cars, smashed windows and reportedly launched projectiles at police forces who responded with tear gas.

Ex-soldier's death casts light on Spaniards who helped liberate Paris

Rafael Gómez Nieto, who has died from coronavirus, was last survivor of WW2 La Nueve force

The death from coronavirus of a 99-year-old former soldier who was the last surviving member of a company of predominantly Spanish troops who helped liberate Paris from Nazi occupation has thrown a spotlight on one of the lesser-known events in French history.

Rafael Gómez Nieto, who fought against Franco in the Spanish civil war before joining the allied war effort, died after contracting Covid-19 in a nursing home in Strasbourg.

Gómez Nieto grew up in a town in the Almería region of Andalucía, the son of a career soldier who had been part of the royal guard to the Spanish king Alfonso XIII.

After fighting as part of the republican forces in the civil war – and seeing action in the four-month Battle of the Ebro, considered to be the conflict’s longest and bloodiest battle – he crossed the border into France along with about 500,000 of his compatriots.

U2 & Eagles Of Death Metal - People Have The Power, Paris 2015-12-07

Paris attacks: suspects and 'mastermind' Abdel-Hamid Abu Oud holed up in St-Denis raid

• St-Denis: what we know so far
• Who is Paris attacks ‘mastermind’ Abdel-Hamid Abu Oud?
• Salah Abdeslam and another fugitive ‘barricaded in apartment’
• Paris-bound Air France flights diverted in US after threats
• French police hunt new fugitive thought to be involved in Paris attacks
• Germany-Holland football match called off after terror attack warning

4m ago07:24

Two suspects dead, including a woman, in raid

Associated Press confirms French police saying two suspects are dead, including a woman, during the raid.

Separate reports are saying that the third person who has apparently died was a bystander. This has not been confirmed.

24s ago
07:10

French national police have just put out this reminder that the operation is ongoing:

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3m ago07:07

Le Monde and other French media say they have confirmation from police and judicial sources that three of the people targeted in the police operation are dead, including a woman who blew herself up with an explosive belt.

The Guardian has not yet been able to verify this independently.

I will bring you further information as we check it.

3m ago06:58

St-Denis raid: what we know so far

The police operation in St-Denis is ongoing, but here is what we currently know:

• Heavy shooting, including automatic gunfire, and explosions have been reported in St-Denis, a northern Paris suburb. St-Denis is where the Stade de France, one of the targets of Friday’s attacks, is located, although the current operation is in the centre of the suburb, close to the basilica.
• The targets of the raid are the mastermind of the Paris attacks,Abdel-Hamid Abu Oud; as well as Salah Abdeslam and another suspect thought to be a ninth attacker.
• Two or three men are reported to have barricaded themselves in an apartment, exchanging gunfire with officers. It is not confirmed that these men are the suspects named above.
• Shooting began at 4.30am local time (0330 GMT) and has continued in bursts in the hours since. At least seven explosions have been heard.
• Three police officers have been reported injured in the operation, apparently not seriously. At least one person has reportedly died, but this has not been confirmed.
• Roads have been closed off and the police operation is ongoing, with large numbers of police officers and police vehicles in the area. Military reinforcements have also arrived.
• Residents have been told to stay in their homes and away from windows. Some have been moved to a temporary shelter in the town hall. Transport to St-Denis has been suspended and schools will not open on Wednesday.

4m ago06:46

Three heavy trucks carrying around 100 French troops have arrived in Saint-Denis to secure the perimeter of the operation, as they did outside the Bataclan concert hall on Friday night.

Heavily armed police have taken over the centre of the town.

At least seven explosions have been heard at the scene, but the source of the blasts is unclear.

7m ago06:43

Associated Press has spoken to residents of Saint-Denis who are witnessing the siege.

One resident described intense gunfire and explosions during a police operation near the site of one of last week’s deadly attacks.

Baptiste Marie, a 26-year-old independent journalist who lives near the scene of the standoff, told AP:

It started with an explosion. Then there was second big explosion. Then two more explosions. There was an hour of gunfire.

Resident Amin Guizani, 21, said:

There were grenades. It was going, stopping. Kalashnikovs. Starting again.

06:45

Roads to St Denis blocked

Posted at06:45

Police have blocked roads leading to St Denis, the BBC's Anna Holligan - who is at the scene - says. Our correspondent says they are shining green lasers at people who come too close. At least three large military trucks packed with soldiers have also been spotted.

Fate of Abdelhamid Abaaoud still unclear

Posted at06:42

It is still not clear if Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the 28-year-old suspected mastermind of Friday's attacks, is one of the people thought to be inside the apartment in Saint Denis that police are focused on, AFP reports.

He was previously thought to be in Syria.    

The 27-year-old grew up in Molenbeek, a district of Brussels.

He is an associate of Salah Abdeslam, who is on the run and whose brother Brahim blew himself up in Paris.

Brahim died in the Comptoir Voltaire bar, without killing others. They are all believed to have been recruited by IS.

3m ago06:37

It is now just after 7.30am in Paris, meaning the siege in St-Denis has been going on for over three hours.

There are reports of one person dead, and three police officers injured, though apparently not seriously.

Several explosions have been heard in the last few minutes.

At least three military trucks are now on the scene in the centre of St-Denis.

06:33

Jon Henley

BFMTV and other French media have reported that at least one person has been killed in the police assault. His identity is not yet known.

The inhabitants of St-Denis have been ordered to remain inside their homes, behind locked doors, and to stay away from the windows.

Paris attack: Isis has created a new kind of warfare

For the first time urban terrorism, guerrilla tactics and conventional fighting have been combined in a lethal blend

The Islamic State (Isis) has always massacred civilians in large numbers to show its strength and instil fear in its opponents. In the West, people notice these atrocities only when they take place on their own streets, though Isis suicide bombers killed 43 people in Beirut on 12 November and 26 more in Baghdad on 13 November. These attacks are almost impossible to stop because they are directed against civilians, who cannot all be defended, and the bombers are willing to die in order to destroy their targets.

Isis has claimed the Paris attacks, saying that France was targeted because of its air strikes in Syria. The use of eight suicide bombers and gunmen in a national capital, guaranteeing maximum coverage by the media, has all the hallmarks of an Isis operation. One ominous difference from the killings earlier in the year atCharlie Hebdo magazine and in a Jewish supermarket, is that attacks, presumably because of Isis involvement, are getting more sophisticated and better planned. Recruiting, arming, coordinating and keeping hidden the Paris killers until the last moment implies good organisation. The same was true of the smuggling of a bomb on to the Russian plane before it left the ground at Sharm al-Sheikh on 30 October. 

History is replete with governments and want to be leaders using various forms of armed conflict against civilian populations.  The German Buzz bombs, the firebombing of  Dresden and Tokyo and use of napalm, agent orange in Vietnam and the firing of Scud missiles at Israel during the first Gulf War were all used as blunt instruments of war to either inflict mass casualties or used as  psychology warfare instil  fear, intimidate and frighten non combatants.  Another form of terrorism is the use of security services to disappear or put on trial those who would stand against those in power.  

The difference is that it's a terrorist group using these tactics rather than a recognized nation state.  

  

French Police: 18 People Killed In And Around Paris

3m ago01:08

With reports from the police that 118 people are believed to have died in the Bataclan concert hall, along with at least 40 in separate attacks, the death toll looks to have risen to at least 158.

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11m ago01:00

What we know so far

Claire Phipps

This is Claire Phipps taking over from Kevin Rawlinson to continue our live coverage of the devastating attacks in Paris that have left at least 140 people dead.

The news is still unfolding, and casualty numbers are changing quickly.

But here is what we know at this stage:

• A state of emergency has been declared across France, after at least 140 people were killed in terrorist attacks around Paris.
• Shootings took place in a number of locations around the capital,including at least two restaurants and the Bataclan concert hall, with further explosions –reported to be two suicide attacks and a bombing – outside the Stade de France, where the national side were playing Germany in a football match.
• About 100 people were taken hostage at Bataclan in the 11th arrondissement, in what is thought to be a coordinated attack.Security forces have now killed two attackers in the Bataclan concert hall but police report at least 118 people – many of them young people attending a rock concert – are believed to have died there.
• French president François Hollande has ordered the closing of the country’s borders to prevent the escape of the attackers, who have so far not been apprehended.
• Hollande said there were “unprecedented terror attacks under way in Paris” and authorities have warned residents to stay inside.
• The Australian foreign minister, Julie Bishop, said there had beensix separate terrorist attacks, beginning at around 9.30pm French time.

Reuters: 'Around 140 dead'

Posted at00:40

Reuters. quoting an un-named official at Paris City Hall, says the current death toll in Paris is around 140.

In the last few minutes, however, the iTele channel said the latest toll is 118 dead.

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This is a translation of the Libération editor Laurent Joffrin’s op-ed.

The barbarity of terrorism has just taken a historical step. A massacre coordinated in the heart of Paris and the Stade deFrance was conducted with cold determination, in order to kill as many as possible.

Even at the height of the clashes linked to the Algerian civil war in the 1990s, France had never experienced this level of violence. And it is France, its policies and its international role which are targeted by the killers. Unlike the attacks on Charlie Hebdo or theHyper Cacher, which were precise in their execution, tonight’s attacks are acts of indistinct cruelty unleashed to inspire terror across the nation.

The sites of the attacks were all dedicated to entertainment and friendliness, were purposely in the line of fire, as a way to underline the fact that French people are now under menace in their everyday life, as they simply go out with friends.

We are horrified in front of the vastness of this massacre, and compassion for the victims is the most humane and immediate reaction to have. We first and foremost think of the victims and their families. As for the rest - it has to focus on cold blood and civism. French society should arm itself with the courage to not give an inch to the killers, and has to show vigilance and the undying will to face the horror with the force of the law and solidarity.

The Republic, its mobilised state and the law will take on the battle without trembling, with great efficiency. It is impossible to not link those bloody attacks to those taking place in the Middle East, where France plays its part. Our country must continue its action unblinkingly. Only our country’s unity, as with stand strong and voluntary and carried by our values, will allow France to take its greatest challenge.

Agence France-Presse

@AFP

#BREAKING Around 100 dead in attack on Paris concert venue: police

12:12 AM - 14 Nov 2015

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Two gunmen killed at the Bataclan - AP

More details on the ending of that operation at the Bataclan:

The AP is now citing two Paris police officials as saying that security forces have ended their assault on the Bataclan, killing at least two attackers. Neither official could be named, citing ongoing operations throughout the city.

According to the agency, one official described “carnage” inside the building, saying the attackers had tossed explosives at the hostages. Both officials said they expected the toll of victims to rise.

Bataclan operation finished

Reuters is now reporting that its own reporter has been told that the operation at the Bataclan has now ended.

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6m ago23:56

The band that was playing in the Bacalan, Eagles of Death Metal, has issued a statement on Facebook.

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.

Updated at 11.57pm GMT

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6m ago23:56

Bataclan operation over - reports

An unverified report has just come in from Reuters - via BFM TV - that the operation at the Bataclan has ended after the two attackers were killed.

We are working to confirm these reports.

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11m ago23:51

Harriet Alida Lye has written to the Guardian about being trapped inside a bookshop on the rue de la Bucherie:

We are safe in the Shakespeare & Co bookshop, with the windows blacked out. There are about 20 customers with us who’ve been sat here for hours calling home. I haven’t seen anything but police cars go by, and people stumbling out of bars in central Paris who clearly have no idea what is going on. We are all taking breaks between calling people and checking the news. We’re saying it feels like this must be part of something bigger, like we are being senselessly attacked. It feels really close to home, because Paris is just so small and the attacks are all over the city. There are sirens constantly and going in every direction. The lights of Notre Dame have been turned off, which never happens at this time of night.

11.47pm23:47

Luc Peillon, from newspaper Liberation, says a number of explosions are heard inside the Bataclan. A witness, Samia, is currently telling french radio station France Info that she is shocked to see that many people coming out of the building - many people are slowly coming out of the building either with their hands above their heads, or on a stretcher. She adds that the bulk of them are very young, which, she says, makes it very sad to witness.

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32s ago23:47

Multiple sources: operation underway at the Bataclan

The AP: Three police officials confirm that security forces have launched an assault on the Paris concert hall where hostages have been taken.

None of the officials could be named when discussing the ongoing operation, which several officials said involved dozens of hostages.

What we know so far

Claire Phipps

The news coming out of France is still, understandably, painting a fragmented and confusing picture. Here is what we know so far:

• A state of emergency has been declared across France, after several dozen people were killed in terrorist attacks around Paris.The number of casualties cannot yet be confirmed, though at least 49 people are so far thought to have died.
• Shootings took place in a number of locations around the capital, including at least two restaurants and the Bataclan concert hall, withfurther explosions – reported to be two suicide attacks and a bombing – outside the Stade de France, where the national side were playing Germany in a football match.
• About 100 people have reportedly been taken hostage at Bataclan in the 11th arrondissement, in what is thought to be a coordinated attack. Explosions have been heard at the concert hall, along with reports of mass shootings inside.
• French president François Hollande has ordered the closing of the country’s borders to prevent the escape of the attackers, who have so far not been apprehended.
• Hollande said there were “unprecedented terror attacks under way in Paris” and authorities have warned residents to stay inside.

• French radio reporter Julien Pearce was inside the Bataclan theater when gunmen entered. Two men dressed in black started shooting what he described as AK-47s, and after wounded people fell to the floor, the two gunmen shot them again, execution-style, he said. The two men didn't wear masks and didn't say anything. The gunfire lasted 10 to 15 minutes, sending the crowd inside the small concert hall into a screaming panic, said Pearce, who escaped. He said he saw 20 to 25 bodies lying on the floor. The hostage situation at the Bataclan continued early Saturday.

• One of the explosions at the Stade de France outside Paris appears to be a suicide bombing, a Western intelligence source receiving direct intelligence from the scene told CNN's Deb Feyerick. A dismembered body, consistent with the aftermath of an explosion from that type of device, was found at the scene, the source said.

My colleague Fred McConnell has just arrived at the Gare du Lyon - to the south of the Bataclan.

The station was very quiet. No police or staff in sight.

There’s a slight sense of panic on the Métro trains and in the stations, with people rushing about, looking at their phones and families holding hands or carrying children.

Many people seem to have come from the stadium and are still clasping French flags. We saw one father with his young son. The boy looked about five-years-old and had a French scarf and flag. His dad had tears in his eyes, staring straight ahead while marching through the concourse.

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4m ago23:30

Shots and explosions heard at the Bataclan

Reuters says witnesses have told it of five explosions heard near the Bataclan, while shots there were heard live on television.

3 minutes ago

We are now getting reports of another shooting, this time in a shopping centre in Les Halles. 

If confirmed, this is the fifth reported shooting this evening. 

'Assault on Bataclan underway'

Posted at22:30

An assault of the Bataclan concert venue is under way, tweets Libération journalist Matthieu Ecoiffier.

It is reported that there are between 60 and 100 hostages inside.

Matthieu Ecoiffier

EcoiffierLibe

Assault en course au Bataclan

 10:12 p.m. - 13 November 2015

The California band Eagles of Death Metal were playing a concert  at Paris' Le Bataclan concert hall
Reportedly there are many dead inside the concert hall along with hundreds of hostages.

• 8 minutes ago

  The Independent's correspondent in Paris has just filed describing the scenes as what is fast being described as a "coordinated" series of attacks across the capital.  
  

  
  

  Witnesses have described a lone gunman who "sprayed the bars with bullets, leaving
  several customers dead or wounded."
• 12 minutes ago

  There are unconfirmed reports as many as 60 people are being held by gunmen in the Bataclan concert hall. 
  

  
  

  Meanwhile, Associated Press is reporting as many as 26 people have been killed in  multiple shootings around the capital.

 

UK Prime MinisterVerified account‏@Number10gov

PM: I am shocked by events in Paris tonight. Our thoughts and prayers are with the French people. We will do whatever we can to help.

11s ago22:04

Purportedly, an explosion near the France-Germany football match is audible on this footage of the game.

3m ago22:00

French police: At least 26 people are dead in a spree of violence around Paris. There is also a hostage taking under way in a theatre.

At least 18 people have been killed after a gunman opened fired with a Kalasnhnikov at a restaurant in Paris, French police have said.

French police officials said there have also been two explosions near the Stade de France stadium where a France-Germany friendly football match was taking place.

It was unclear if the events were linked.

Al Jazeera's Jacky Rowland, reporting from Paris, said police had confirmed there was a hostage situation at a concert hall in the city.

Police evacuated people from all bars and restaurants in the area of the 10th and 11th arround issment, a popular part of Paris with young people and tourists.

French President Francois Hollande and his interior minister rushed to the ministry to deal with the unfolding situation, an official said.

From The BBC

A BBC journalist at the Petit Cambodge restaurant says he can see 10 people on the road either dead or seriously injured.

He says police have now arrived and sealed off the area.

An eyewitness told Liberation he had heard more than 100 rounds being fired.

It says the gunman has fled the scene.