Tourists pause to take pictures as French military patrol near the Notre Dame Cathedral (not seen) the day after a series of deadly attacks in Paris, France, November 14, 2015.

Tourists pause to take pictures as French military patrol near the Notre Dame Cathedral (not seen) the day after a series of deadly attacks in Paris, France, November 14, 2015.
Photo Credit: Yves Herman / Reuters

Paris attacks: France blames ISIS for ‘act of war’

 French President Francois Hollande speaks at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, the day after a series of deadly attacks in the French capital, November 14, 2015.
French President Francois Hollande speaks at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, the day after a series of deadly attacks in the French capital, November 14, 2015. © POOL New / Reuters

French President Francois Hollande has promised to “be merciless toward the barbarians of Islamic State group,” which has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks by gunmen and suicide bombers who targeted a stadium, concert hall and restaurants Friday in and around Paris, killing at least 129 people. About 350 people were injured in the attacks, with 80 listed in critical condition.

Speaking to the nation on Saturday, Hollande called the attacks an “act of war” and said France “will act by all means anywhere, inside or outside the country.”

Hollande said the attacks were “committed by a terrorist army, the Islamic State group, a jihadist army, against France, against the values that we defend everywhere in the world, against what we are: A free country that means something to the whole planet.”

Three team of attackers were involved in the assault on Paris. French security officials are actively searching for the accomplices of the 8 attackers who were killed in Friday night.

ISIS claims responsibility

ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks in a statement issued in Arabic and French and released online Saturday. It was not immediately possible to confirm the authenticity of the statement, but it bore the group’s logo and resembled previous statements issued by the group.

The statement said the attackers were “targeting the capital of prostitution and obscenity.”

France has been a founding partner in the U.S.-led bombing campaign against ISIS targets in Syria and Iraq, and has troops fighting extremists in Africa.

Nation in mourning
 Memorial bouquets of flowers are placed on barriers near the Bataclan concert hall the day after a series of deadly attacks in Paris, France, November 14, 2015.
Memorial bouquets of flowers are placed on barriers near the Bataclan concert hall the day after a series of deadly attacks in Paris, France, November 14, 2015. © Benoit Tessier / Reuters

Hollande has declared three days of national mourning and has imposed a state of emergency.

He raised the security threat level to its highest point.

These are the deadliest attacks in peacetime France, and only the fourth time since WWII that a state of emergency has been imposed. The last time was during a 2005 wave of riots in poor suburbs.

It is the worst atrocity in Europe since the 2004 Madrid bombings.

Hollande has cancelled a planned trip to Turkey for the G20 summit of the world’s 20 largest economies following attacks, the government’s official Twitter account reported..

Emergency numbers for Canadians

There are no reports of Canadian casualties. Canadian citizens in Paris requiring emergency consular assistance are being advised contact the Embassy of Canada in Paris at +33 (0)1 44 43 29 02 or call the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre collect at +1 613 996 8885. An email can also be sent to sos@international.gc.ca. In addition, French authorities have set up a crisis line for affected persons. Canadian citizens in Paris are advised to call 01 45 55 80 00 to get more information.

 General view of the scene with rescue service personnel working near covered bodies outside a restaurant following shooting incidents in Paris, France, November 13, 2015. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
General view of the scene with rescue service personnel working near covered bodies outside a restaurant following shooting incidents in Paris, France, November 13, 2015. © Philippe Wojazer / Reuters
Trudeau ‘shocked and saddened’

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement after learning of a number of terrorist attacks in Paris.

“I am shocked and saddened that so many people have been killed and injured today in a number of terrorist attacks in Paris, France, and that many others are being held hostage,” Trudeau said in the statement.

“As the situation continues to unfold, Sophie and I join all Canadians in extending our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed. It is our sincere hope that the hostages are freed unharmed as soon as possible. We also wish a speedy recovery to all those who have been injured.

“Canada stands with France at this dark time and offers all possible assistance. We will continue to work closely with the international community to help prevent these terrible, senseless acts.”

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