The series of terrorist attacks that took place on Friday evening in Paris let the whole world wondering what lies ahead. French President Francois Hollande described the actions as “an act of war”, which left at least 128 people dead and 200 injured. France declared a state of emergency and deployed 1,500 troops to guard buildings and schools. Paris residents have been told to stay in their homes.
In Paris there is much pain and a lot of anger. The city we all love is now in mourning. Silence falls in the streets of the Latin Quarter, where less than 24 hours ago the world was out partying. Parisians are frowning, anger in their voice while talking about the attacks. As a tourist you can feel the alertness, nervousness, the tension. The busiest tourist spots continue to function though caution is the word of the day. Flowers and candles appeared at the attacks sites as the people continue to express solidarity.
Francois Hollande declared three days of national mourning and vowed to intensify the fight against terrorism: “We are going to lead a war which will be pitiless. Because when terrorists are capable of committing such atrocities they must be certain that they are facing a determined France, a united France, a France that is together and does not let itself be moved, even if today we express infinite sorrow. ”
What happened in Paris
French police were hunting Saturday for possible accomplices to eight terrorists who carried out the attacks at six sites in the city, employing seven suicide bombs. At the Bataclan concert hall, where terrorists triggered explosives and fired shots during a performance by the California rock band Eagles of Death Metal, police said the bodies of more than 110 victims remained inside. At least two others explosions committed by suicide bombers happened in the stadium “Stade de France”, during a football match between France and Germany. In parallel, the terrorists opened fire with automatic weapons at nearby restaurants and terraces in central Paris at Bichat and Charonne. In short:
- at least 120 people are feared to have been killed
- Two hundred people were injured, 80 of them seriously
- The state of emergency was declared throughout the country borders France and security is tight. France declared three days of national mourning
What to do next
This morning the Islamic State group claimed the attacks in Paris. They wants to establish fear, to prevent us to live, travel, work in peace. Across Europe security at all airports was reinforced. In London this morning Gatwick Airport North Terminal was evacuated after the finding of a suspicious object, while police arrested a man who allegedly had a gun in his baggage.
The whole world is on alert. Traveler or resident in one of the touristic cities of the world, you tell yourself that you will not yield to fear. You will not hide and will not allow Islamic groups to impose the control by terror. Putting France’s security at its highest level, Hollande vowed to hit back against the militants.
Paris would resist. The city that always makes you smile, to wonder without a worry on the banks of Seine, will find its joy again. Until then light a candle for those killed, pray for the families left behind. Fight so that the freedom will no longer be stained with blood. #PrayForParis
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