Hell in the Champs Elysees

The Islamic State took responsibility for the attack on the police patrol in Paris, reports Le Figaro with reference to the propaganda of the AMAQ terrorist organization. The IG claims that the attack was made by a certain Abu Yusub al-Belzhiki (Belgian).

On Thursday evening, at about 21 hours (22 Moscow time), the terrorist was parrot of the car next to the police van on the Champs Elysees. He got out of the car and opened fire from the Kalashnikov assault rifle. One policeman was killed, two were seriously injured. During the attack, a tourist was easily wounded, the French authorities report. The attacker was shot on the spot.

Immediately after the attack, there were reports that the attacker had a accomplice who managed to hide. The police evacuated people from the Champs Elysees. Visitors to restaurants and shops were forbidden to leave stores. Part of the city center was blocked, three metro stations-Franklin Roosevelt, Georges V and Shan-Elyse-Clemanso were closed. However, then the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that the criminal acted alone.

The investigation established the identity of the attacker, there is a search for his alleged accomplices, said the prosecutor of Paris Francois Molens. CNN, with reference to a source close to the investigation, reports that the shooter was known for France security services in connection with its radical Islamic activity. It was listed in the observation file "Fiche S" and was in the field of view of the General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI).

According to Rita Katz, the head of SITE Intelligence Group, which monitor the activities of terrorists, AMAQ about the responsibility for the attack differs from most similar messages. In her opinion, this may indicate that the terrorists were aware of the preparation of the crime and knew the attacker.

France President Francois Hollande said that the attack on the Champs Elysees in Paris was terrorist. “Traces that can lead to the establishment of truth have a terrorist character,” he said, turning to the nation from the porch of the Champs Elysees. “And we will show absolute vigilance, especially with regard to the electoral process.” On Friday morning, a meeting of the Council of Defense and National Security of the country was scheduled.

On Sunday, the first round of the presidential election will be held in France. In connection with the terrorist attack, the candidates Francois Fillon and Marine Le Pen canceled all the trips planned for Friday as part of their election campaigns.

On June 13, in a suburbs of Paris, the unknown inflicted a lot of stab wounds, and then hid in his house, taking the wife and son of the murdered hostage. According to eyewitnesses, the criminal shouted "Allah Akbar" during the attack. As a result of the assault, the invader was killed. The house was discovered in the house of the police officer, who also worked in the Ministry of Internal Affairs system. A three -year -old child was not injured. The “Islamic state” also took responsibility for this crime. The attacker himself has repeatedly stated involvement in the IG during negotiations.