2 attackers shot dead after killing priest in hostage crisis
Two knife wielding attackers were shot dead by French police after taking several people hostage in a church in the commune of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, near Rouen, France. Some sources stated that the attackers managed to kill the priest before being neutralised by security forces; however, details are still awaited. The area around the church has been cordoned off by officials.
The National Day of France
'Bastille Day' is a name given by the English-speaking countries to the French National Day. Known as 'La fête nationale' in formal French, it is celebrated in France on 14th July every year. This day honours the Storming of the Bastille, which occurred in Paris on 14th July, 1789, and Fête de la Fédération, which celebrated the unity of France on 14th July, 1790.
Lorry kills 80 in terror attack in Nice
The southern French city of Nice, fell victim to a terrorist attack on 14th July, 2016, the National Day of France. A lorry struck the crowd celebrating Bastille Day fireworks in the city. President Francois Hollande pronounced the attack to be of a "terrorist nature". France has been on high alert since its capital city, Paris, witnessed a series of terrorist attacks last November.
Details of the attack
The attack took place on the Promenade des Anglais seafront, where many people had gathered to watch the fireworks display in celebration of Bastille Day. A truck drove into the crowd of people, killing 80, including children, and injuring 18. The truck, which was later found full of guns and grenades, drove through the crowd for 2 kms (1.2 miles).
The Perpetrator
The driver of the truck left behind identity papers that described him as a 31-year-old French-Tunisian and a resident of Nice. He was shot and killed by the police.
President Francois Hollande's reaction
An 8-month state of emergency, due to end on 26th July, was implemented in France following the Paris attacks in November 2015. Labelling the Nice attack a terrorist one, France President Francois Hollande extended the lingering state of emergency in France by three months. He said, "France is badly hit and we need to do everything we can to fight."
Third attack in 18 months
The attack on Nice becomes the third terrorist attack faced by France in 18 months; the first one having occurred at the Charlie Hebdo office and a kosher supermarket in Paris in January 2015. Terrorist attacks shook the capital again in November 2015.
Testimonies of the eye-witnesses
An eye-witness Wassim Bouhlel, told AP, "There was carnage on the road. Bodies everywhere." Damien Allemand, a journalist with Nice Matin wrote, "I saw bodies flying like bowling pins along its (the truck's) route. Heard noises, cries that I will never forget." Alain Boudail, a restaurant-owner, told TIME, "In front of my restaurant, there were at least ten people laying on the street, dead."
France defends govt measures against terror, ISIS claims Nice attack
The French government defended its efforts at curbing extremist violence in the country amidst heavy criticism from opposition lawmakers after the Nice attack. France's Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said the perpetrator was unknown to intelligence agencies as he "did not stand out." Meanwhile, ISIS issued a statement claiming responsibility for the Nice attack through its news service Amaq.
State of emergency extended for next 6 months in France
On Wednesday, the French National Assembly voted to extend the state of emergency till January 2017. This is the 4th time that the move has been proposed,so now it requires the Senate's approval. This will give extra powers to the police, to carry out searches and put people under house-arrest. Hollande's government has faced severe criticism for the measures drawn to curb extremist attacks.
Kalshnikov, ammo recovered in Nice-linked raids
Authorities recovered a Kalashnikov rifle and several rounds of ammunition from the home of a suspect detained in connection with the Nice attack. The suspect was arrested on charges of being in touch with the Nice attacker. He is also alleged to be involved in supplying arms to extremists in the EU. Authorities said more such raids are to be expected.
