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France: Gunmen attack satirical magazine office, kill 12

France: Gunmen attack satirical magazine office, kill 12

India Blooms News Service | | 08 Jan 2015, 12:18 am
Parish, Jan 7 (IBNS): France witnessed a dark day in its history with unknown gunmen attacking the Paris office of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and killing at least 12 people , including cartoonists and two policemen, as global leaders joined to condemn the incident on Wednesday.

The attack left 10 people injured.

French President Francois Hollande said the incident was “undoubtedly a terrorist attack."

"Several terrorist attacks were thwarted in recent weeks," he was quoted as saying by france24.com.

"No barbaric act will ever extinguish the freedom of the press. We are a united country that will react and do block," he told mediapersons.

The attackers fled the building and could not be traced yet.

France raised its security alert to the highest level and reinforced security at places of worship, shops, media offices, and transportation, said reports.

Videos shown on the media showed hooded gunmen attacking the magazine office in an apparent militant Islamist attack.

The militants were also seen exchanging  shots with police in the street outside before escaping by car.

"Witnesses said they heard the gunmen shouting "We have avenged the Prophet Muhammad" and "God is Great" in Arabic ('Allahu Akbar')," BBC reported.

The attack reportedly took place when an editorial meeting was taking place in the office.

The attack has been condemned by leaders across the globe with US President Barack Obama calling it a 'horrific' incident.

"I strongly condemn the horrific shooting at the offices of Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris," Obama said in a statement.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this terrorist attack and the people of France at this difficult time. France is America’s oldest ally, and has stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States in the fight against terrorists who threaten our shared security and the world. Time and again, the French people have stood up for the universal values that generations of our people have defended," the US President said.

He has also assured France of all assistance to combat with the "terrorists."

"France, and the great city of Paris where this outrageous attack took place, offer the world a timeless example that will endure well beyond the hateful vision of these killers. We are in touch with French officials and I have directed my Administration to provide any assistance needed to help bring these terrorists to justice," he said.

Condemning the incident, UK Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted, "The murders in Paris are sickening. We stand with the French people in the fight against terror and defending the freedom of the press."

Cameron later said he along with German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke with Hollande on the issue and offered him help in dealing with the matter.

"Angela Merkel and I just spoke to President Hollande. We told him our thoughts are with the French people & offered any help that is needed," Cameron said.

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday strongly condemned the "terrorist attack" on a media office in Paris and expressed anguish over the loss of "innocent lives."

The President said terror and violence have no place in any corner of the world.

"The world community must unite to root out terror from every country and society," he added.

Mukherjee conveyed his condolences to the families of the bereaved and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Condemning the attack, PM Modi said, "Condemnable and despicable attack in Paris. Our solidarity with people of France. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives."

Charlie Hebdo is a French satirical weekly newspaper, featuring cartoons, reports, polemics and jokes.

It had earlier courted controversy with its take on news and current affairs.

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