President Obama has spoken, condemning the attacks in Paris, calling them an “outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians.”
He said this is “not just an attack on the people of france, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values we share.”
He said the US stands prepared and ready to provide whatever assistance France needs to respond, but did not want to speculate on who may be behind the attacks.
“France is our oldest ally” and has stood shoulder to shoulder with us time and again.”
“Those who think they can terrorize France or their values are wrong,” he said.
“Liberté, égalité and fraternité are values that we share, and they are going to endure far beyond any act of terrorism.”
“We don’t yet know all details of what has happened we have been in contact with French government.”
“We know what it’s like, we’ve gone through situations like this. Whenever these kinds of attacks happen, we’ve always been able to rely on France.”
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Updated
My colleague Jessica Reed reports:
Parisians who live in the neighbourhoods that were under attack tonight have to make their way home. A few are staying put in front of the Bataclan, where they’re held about 400 metres away by police, while others are now leaving.A hashtag, #portouverte (Open Door), is being used by Parisians who are offering their hospitality for those who might not be able to take the subway or do not want to.
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Updated
Journalist Thibau Lefevre just told radio station France Inter that a policeman talking in his walkie talkie said they were looking for suspects near Parmentier and République.
Both of these areas are between the sites of the two attacks in the city – the former to the west and the latter to the east. That whole part of the city is popular with people out on nights out.
Another witness, who was at the Batalclan with his mother, is currently in tears live on the radio station. He says he heard the assailants were screaming “Allahu Akbar” while shooting inside the crowd.
Another witness, who was at the Batalclan with his mother, is currently in tears live on the radio station. He says he heard the assailants were screaming “Allahu Akbar” while shooting inside the crowd.
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Reuters reports that US security officials believe the attacks were probably coordinated, based on initial reports. It cited an anonymous source familiar with developing intelligence assessments. “This clearly looks like a coordinated series of attacks,” the person said.
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Death toll rises
The death toll is rising, although reports differ.
According to the Associated Press, a police official said 11 people were killed in a Paris restaurant in the 10th arrondissement and about 35 were killed at the Bataclan theatre, where a hostage-taking is under way. Police said 100 hostages were being held.
Citing French police, AFP reports that three people were also killed in an explosion outside the Stade de France.
The Guardian has been unable to verify any of these accounts independently.
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