On Friday evening, news came trickling in that terror attacks were unfolding in Paris. When the carnage was done, 129 people were dead and another 352 injured.
The devastation was reportedly carried out at six locations throughout Paris by eight terrorists wielding AK-47s and wearing suicide belts.
In an unprecedented move, French President Francois Hollande, declared a state of emergency and closed the borders of France, calling the attacks “an act barbarism” and “an act of war.” It was, reportedly, the deadliest terror attack on French soil.
ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks, posting an online statement describing Paris as "the carrier of the banner of the Cross in Europe" and the attackers as "eight brothers wrapped in explosive belts and armed with machine rifles."
The statement went on to say, "Let France and those who walk in its path know that they will remain on the top of the list of targets of the IS . . . and that the smell of death will never leave their noses as long as they lead the convoy of the Crusader campaign."
American citizens were among the injured and at least one American citizen has been confirmed dead.
A U.S. military and intelligence source told Fox News the coordinated attacks likely required "months of planning," based on their sheer number, the locations including a site where the president was present, and the variety of weapons used.
Police in Belgium made three arrests Saturday in connection with Friday's bloody terror assaults. Belgium Justice Minister Koen Geens told the VRT network that the arrests came after a car with Belgian license plates was seen Friday night close to the Bataclan concert hall, scene of the deadliest assault where at least 89 people were massacred.
In the wake of the devastation, reports emerged of acts of heroism and humanity. French citizens opened their homes to people fleeing the carnage. Over the weekend, scores of people turned out to lay flowers at the sites of the six terrorist attacks and hold candlelight vigils. On Saturday, Mashable reported that dozens and dozens lined up to give blood outside the Saint Louis hospital, just across the road from Le Petit Cambodge, one of the venues targeted in Friday’s multiple terror attacks.
“They spill blood, we give blood,” a 69-year-old Frenchman and former journalist said, with evident pride at his compatriots’ response. “This is French solidarity. This is the response.”
Featured Image: People place tributes and flowers outside La Belle Equipe restaurant on Rue de Charonne following Fridays terrorist attack and France observes three days of national mourning on November 15, 2015 in Paris, France. As France observes three days of national mourning members of the public continue to pay tribute to the victims of Friday's deadly attacks. A special service for the families of the victims and survivors is to be held at Paris's Notre Dame Cathedral later on Sunday. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
