As we are overwhelmed with grief and collective sadness for the events that transpired in Paris this weekend, let’s not ignore the attacks of terrorism in Beirut, Lebanon just a day prior. Over 40 people died while going about their normal evening business, much like the people who died a day later in Paris, because of a double suicide attack brought upon by ISIS. This is the deadliest suicide bombing to affect the city in 25 years. While the word holds up a flag for France, let’s not forget the rest of the world and the tragedies they’ve faced.
Read more here: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/16/world/middleeast/beirut-lebanon-attack…
As most of you have likely heard by now, the city of Paris was rocked by several acts of terror on the night of Friday, November 13. At this point, authorities have identified seven attackers that they believe worked in three separate but coordinated teams. The teams were all equipped with assault rifles and suicide vests, with all of the attacks taking place at virtually the same time.
Three of the attackers detonated their vests outside the Stade de France (located on the northern fringe of Paris) as an international friendly between the French and German soccer teams occurred. French president Francois Hollande was hurried to safety when the explosions occurred. The next set of attacks targeted restaurants and bars in popular nightlife areas near the center of Paris, concentrated in the 10th and 11th districts. Le Carillon, Le Petit Cambodge, Le Comptoir Voltaire, and La Belle Equipe were among the establishments targeted, with the attack on La Belle Equipe identified later as the second deadliest attack of the evening. The final and deadliest attack of the night was at the Bataclan concert hall. The 1,500 capacity venue was sold out for a concert by the Californian band Eagles of Death Metal. Authorities believe that three men were involved in the assault, storming into the venue and firing into the crowd with automatic weapons. 89 people died as a result in this particular attack, with the total death toll reaching 129 as of Sunday evening, according to BBC.
In the hours since these despicable acts of violence, the situation has continued to evolve. ISIS has formally claimed responsibility for the attacks, with officials thus far finding no evidence to contradict this claim. Several arrests have been made in both France and Belgium tied to the attacks, and a manhunt is now underway for a suspect who escaped. France has also begun initiating air strikes in Raqqa, Syria, with the hopes of destroying an ISIS stronghold there.
Despite the horrific nature of these attacks, the people of France stand unwavering. A memorial service was held on Sunday in Notre Dame Cathedral to honor the victims. An outpouring of support for the city has been seen all over world. Leaders such as Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin have expressed their sympathies to President Hollande and condemned the attacks, and landmarks all the way from Sydney, Australia to Mexico City displayed the colors of the French flag Friday and Saturday night. Touching tributes to the victims appeared at French embassies across the globe. Snapchat immediately uploaded a filter reading “Des Prières Pour Paris: Pray For Paris,” and Facebook created the option for users to superimpose an opaque image of the French flag over their profile pictures. Millions of people took to social media to express their sorrow and solidarity with Parisians after the attacks.
At a time of year where many Americans reflect on what they’re thankful for, let us remember to be thankful for the safety of ourselves and of our loved ones. Let us also be thankful that although we live in a world where seven men are willing to carry out such atrocities, there are millions of men, women, and children who condemn their actions and show overwhelming support for a city ravaged by tragedy. Let us not forget about all the good, beautiful people in this world, including those who perished this weekend in Paris. Let us remember that despite our gender, religion, race, or nationality, we are all humans. Let us all #prayforparis, call for peace, and remain courageous and resolute in the face of cowardly acts of terror like those that transpired on Friday.
To stay updated on the aftermath of the attacks, I recommend following BBC’s live updates online at http://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-34825270.
Sources:
· http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34818994
· http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34828911
· http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/15/world/europe/paris-terrorist-attacks.html?_r=0
· http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/11/14/world-landmarks-paris-attacks/75770546/
· http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/13/politics/paris-terror-attacks-obama/