France takes unprecedented step to close borders in response to Paris attacks
France has just taken an unprecedented step in closing its borders after a slew of attacks, which police believe are coordinated, hit the Paris area on Friday evening.
At least 120 people have been reported dead and many more injured in six different locations in Paris' 10th and 11th Administrative Districts, orarrondissements, French media, citing police, is reporting.
French President Francois Hollande announced the border closure in a statement to the nation on Friday evening.
"An unprecedented terrorist attack is underway," Hollande said in a televised statement. "This is horror."
Hollande also declared a nationwide state of emergency. It is reportedly the first time since the Algerian War, which lasted from 1954-62, that France has declared a state of emergency.
Closing the borders could be a move designed to prevent the perpetrators of the attacks from fleeing:
FWIW Charlie Hebdo attacks carried out by French citizens. Border controls are designed to stop perps fleeing. https://t.co/mqaMGJIAQ9
— Matthew Moore (@mattmoorek) November 13, 2015
Hollande also canceled plans to attend the G-20 summit in Turkey, which begins Saturday.
Source: Business insider
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