Update 1: French police confirmed a total of six attacks in Paris, including two suicide attacks and one bombing near the Stade de France, as well as attacks at the Bataclan concert hall and a restaurant. French news outlets reported that police launched an assault on the Bataclan concert hall, where gunmen were holding 100 hostages. According to The Guardian, eight attackers are dead, several of whom died after detonating suicide belts. Authorities have reported that the number of fatalities has reached at least 120. A motive has yet to be determined, but ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attacks. French President Hollande agrees it was the terror group.
Update 2: Authorities are working to identify the victims. The Guardian reports that many of the deceased concert goers — those who were in the Bataclan Hall to see the band Eagle of Death Metal — are expected to be foreigners. The U.K. has been told to expect news that there are British casualties. From The Guardian: "Romania’s foreign ministry later said two of its citizens died in the attacks, and a third was injured. It said its embassy was in contact with the families of the two Romanians, but gave no further details." French newspaper Liberation says there has been a delay in identifying victims because the focus has been on identifying the injured and getting them help.
Earlier: Early Friday evening, police officials reported a shootout in a Paris restaurant and an explosion in a bar near a Paris stadium. According to AP, the number of victims of the Paris shooting remains unclear, though AFP reports there are 18 dead in the attacks. AP also reports that BFM television has reported several dead in the restaurant, but police officials have not yet confirmed information about casualties.
A BBC journalist watching the events unfold reported seeing at least 10 people lying dead on the road outside the restaurant, Petit Cambodge. The restaurant is located in the same general area as the Charlie Hebdo offices, according to the AP.
In addition to the stadium explosion and restaurant shooting, AFP reports that there are hostages taken at Paris Bataclan concert hall. At press time, it is still unclear whether or not the three events are linked.
This story is developing...
Image: @Vince66240/Twitter
