DHAKA: The near-simultaneous attacks in Paris that killed at least 153 people and wounded more than 200 were an ‘act of war’ organized by Islamic State (IS).

France’s President Francois Hollande said, reports the BBC.

He said the attacks, carried out by eight gunmen and suicide bombers, were ‘organized and planned from outside’.

Busy bars and restaurants, a music concert and a high-profile football match were all targeted.

Hollande has declared three days of national mourning.

He has raised the security threat level to its highest point, declared a nationwide state of emergency and vowed to wage a ‘merciless’ fight against terrorists.

The night of violence unfolded soon after 21:00 (20:00GMT) as people were enjoying a Friday night out in the French capital.

At least one gunman was opened fire on Le Carillon bar in the rue Alibert, not far from the Place de la Republique, before heading across the road to Le Petit Cambodge (Little Cambodia), killing at least 12 people.

BDST: 1655 HRS, Nov 14, 2015
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