After Paris Attacks, Arab Nations Vow To Combat Terrorism, Express Solidarity With France

Foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council, an intergovernmental union that includes Saudi Arabia and Qatar, strongly condemned Wednesday the terror attacks in Paris and reaffirmed their support for the French people. The ministers said they wished to express solidarity with Paris and condemn the coordinated acts of terror “in the strongest terms.”

“The ministers affirmed the support of the Gulf Cooperation Council to France and her friendly people at this difficult moment,” a statement from the organization’s chief read, according to Arab News. The GCC Secretary-General, Abdullatif Al-Zayani, said the terror attacks “will only reinforce the determination of France and the entire world to continue to combat terrorism and uproot these organizations hostile to human civilization.”

A series of coordinated attacks were launched in France’s capital city Friday evening just after 9 p.m. local time. Armed gunmen traveled by car to several locations in the city where they shot up cafes and, later, a packed metal concert. Near the Stade de France, where the French national team was playing a game with Germany, suicide bombers took more lives, including their own.

The latest death toll was 129, however that number could rise should those who are injured succumb to their wounds. There were several hundred injuries from the attacks, and at least 99 of those individuals were in critical condition. The full list of victims has since been released by French officials.

Searching for the mastermind behind coordinating the attacks, French forces raided a Paris suburb Wednesday morning and exchanged gunfire for several hours. At least one individual was killed – a woman who detonated a suicide vest when the police came – and three men were taken from the apartment by police and military officials, though their identities are were unknown.