This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/nov/18/paris-attacks-suspected-mastermind-abdel-hamid-abu-oud-was-target-of-raids-latest-news
The article has changed 25 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 22 | Version 23 |
---|---|
Fate of Paris 'mastermind' unknown after deadly raid – as it happened | Fate of Paris 'mastermind' unknown after deadly raid – as it happened |
(30 days later) | |
4.07am GMT | 4.07am GMT |
04:07 | 04:07 |
This live blog is now closed; our new live blog continues here: | This live blog is now closed; our new live blog continues here: |
Related: Paris attacks: police investigating if Isis 'mastermind' is dead after St-Denis raid – live | Related: Paris attacks: police investigating if Isis 'mastermind' is dead after St-Denis raid – live |
1.45am GMT | 1.45am GMT |
01:45 | 01:45 |
You can read our latest report on the search for the perpetrators of the Paris attacks here: | You can read our latest report on the search for the perpetrators of the Paris attacks here: |
Related: Paris attacks: latest evidence points to wider conspiracy | Related: Paris attacks: latest evidence points to wider conspiracy |
11.11pm GMT | 11.11pm GMT |
23:11 | 23:11 |
A summary of the developments so far in France, the Middle East and US, as Paris quiets on a day that began with a seven-hour firefight between police and militants in the neighborhood of St-Denis. | A summary of the developments so far in France, the Middle East and US, as Paris quiets on a day that began with a seven-hour firefight between police and militants in the neighborhood of St-Denis. |
In France | In France |
In Europe and the US | In Europe and the US |
In the Middle East | In the Middle East |
Updated | Updated |
at 11.12pm GMT | at 11.12pm GMT |
10.44pm GMT | 10.44pm GMT |
22:44 | 22:44 |
The US governors who are rejecting Syrian and Iraqi refugees – and whom Barack Obama chided on Tuesday for being “scared of widows and orphans”. | The US governors who are rejecting Syrian and Iraqi refugees – and whom Barack Obama chided on Tuesday for being “scared of widows and orphans”. |
10.28pm GMT | 10.28pm GMT |
22:28 | 22:28 |
Obama promises veto of refugee bill | Obama promises veto of refugee bill |
In Washington conservative lawmakers have advanced a bill that would increase screening for Syrian and Iraqi refugees arriving in the US, as Republicans continue to fight back against resettlement programs that have so far only brought about 2,000 refugees to the country. | In Washington conservative lawmakers have advanced a bill that would increase screening for Syrian and Iraqi refugees arriving in the US, as Republicans continue to fight back against resettlement programs that have so far only brought about 2,000 refugees to the country. |
Barack Obama promptly promised to veto the bill should it reach his desk, with the White House saying its terms “would unacceptably hamper our efforts to assist some of the most vulnerable people in the world.” | Barack Obama promptly promised to veto the bill should it reach his desk, with the White House saying its terms “would unacceptably hamper our efforts to assist some of the most vulnerable people in the world.” |
His administration aims to accept about 30,000 Syrian refugees over the next two years. | His administration aims to accept about 30,000 Syrian refugees over the next two years. |
Republicans in the US have rallied against allowing Syrian refugees into the country, with several governors vowing to block resettlement plans despite the dubious legality of their defiance. | Republicans in the US have rallied against allowing Syrian refugees into the country, with several governors vowing to block resettlement plans despite the dubious legality of their defiance. |
The rhetoric was matched by some local leaders, including a Virginia mayor who justified his rejection of refugees by invoking the interment of Japanese Americans during the second world war. | The rhetoric was matched by some local leaders, including a Virginia mayor who justified his rejection of refugees by invoking the interment of Japanese Americans during the second world war. |
“President Franklin D Roosevelt felt compelled to sequester Japanese foreign nationals after the bombing of Pearl Harbor,” Roanoke mayor David Bowers said, “and it appears that the threat of harm to America from ISIS now is just as real and serious as that from our enemies then.” | “President Franklin D Roosevelt felt compelled to sequester Japanese foreign nationals after the bombing of Pearl Harbor,” Roanoke mayor David Bowers said, “and it appears that the threat of harm to America from ISIS now is just as real and serious as that from our enemies then.” |
In 1988 US formally apologized for the forced movement and incarceration of its citizens, and voted to compensate the families sent to camps. Obama called several governors around the country to discuss the refugee crisis on Tuesday, reiterating all applicants face months of screening and vetting. | In 1988 US formally apologized for the forced movement and incarceration of its citizens, and voted to compensate the families sent to camps. Obama called several governors around the country to discuss the refugee crisis on Tuesday, reiterating all applicants face months of screening and vetting. |
Updated | Updated |
at 10.41pm GMT | at 10.41pm GMT |
10.15pm GMT | 10.15pm GMT |
22:15 | 22:15 |
François Hollande will soon plead with Barack Obama intensify the fight against Isis, and warn him about a state of emergency in Europe, David Smith reports from Washington. | François Hollande will soon plead with Barack Obama intensify the fight against Isis, and warn him about a state of emergency in Europe, David Smith reports from Washington. |
French officials have been careful not to openly criticise the US’s strategy in Syria and Iraq but believe Obama must be made aware of the extent of the refugee crisis it has caused, a European diplomat said on Wednesday. | French officials have been careful not to openly criticise the US’s strategy in Syria and Iraq but believe Obama must be made aware of the extent of the refugee crisis it has caused, a European diplomat said on Wednesday. |
“The message that we want to send to the Americans is simply that the crisis is destabilising Europe,” said the diplomat, who did not wish to be named. “The problem is that the attacks in Paris and the refugee crisis show that we don’t have time. There is an emergency.” | “The message that we want to send to the Americans is simply that the crisis is destabilising Europe,” said the diplomat, who did not wish to be named. “The problem is that the attacks in Paris and the refugee crisis show that we don’t have time. There is an emergency.” |
The diplomat said that Europeans must press the US to understand that the refugee crisis is not only dividing American states but also international allies. “We have to act quickly, telling the US administration the core interests of the Europeans, your best allies, are at stake.” | The diplomat said that Europeans must press the US to understand that the refugee crisis is not only dividing American states but also international allies. “We have to act quickly, telling the US administration the core interests of the Europeans, your best allies, are at stake.” |
The diplomat added that many Europeans think American leaders have been slow to understand the urgency of the crisis.“That’s the reason why the French president will be in Washington on Tuesday before flying to Moscow to meet President Putin.” | The diplomat added that many Europeans think American leaders have been slow to understand the urgency of the crisis.“That’s the reason why the French president will be in Washington on Tuesday before flying to Moscow to meet President Putin.” |
France wants world leaders to redefine the strategy for taking on Isis and give it a greater sense of urgency. The Pentagon has increased air strikes in recent weeks and boasted of gains by Kurdish forces, but has admitted that other campaigns relying on the Iraqi army and Syrian rebels have been “slow and incremental”. | France wants world leaders to redefine the strategy for taking on Isis and give it a greater sense of urgency. The Pentagon has increased air strikes in recent weeks and boasted of gains by Kurdish forces, but has admitted that other campaigns relying on the Iraqi army and Syrian rebels have been “slow and incremental”. |
Related: François Hollande to plead with Obama to speed up fight against Isis | Related: François Hollande to plead with Obama to speed up fight against Isis |
10.03pm GMT | 10.03pm GMT |
22:03 | 22:03 |
Isis claims to have killed two hostages | Isis claims to have killed two hostages |
Isis has published photos of two murdered hostages, from Norway and China, in an online magazine. | Isis has published photos of two murdered hostages, from Norway and China, in an online magazine. |
Norwegian prime minister Erna Solberg said the killing was “painful for the family and the whole country” but that the nation would not begin to pay ransoms. “Even if it hurts we should never let the terrorists win,” she said at a press conference. | Norwegian prime minister Erna Solberg said the killing was “painful for the family and the whole country” but that the nation would not begin to pay ransoms. “Even if it hurts we should never let the terrorists win,” she said at a press conference. |
She said she has no reason to doubt that the extremists had killed Ole JohanGrimsgaard-Ofstad, 48, and that the family had given permission to release his name. Beijing has yet to comment on the photographs. | She said she has no reason to doubt that the extremists had killed Ole JohanGrimsgaard-Ofstad, 48, and that the family had given permission to release his name. Beijing has yet to comment on the photographs. |
Isis also claimed that it had recruited the Jordanian police officer who killed police trainers near Amman two weeks ago. My colleagues Ewen MacAskill and Kareem Shaheen report more here. | Isis also claimed that it had recruited the Jordanian police officer who killed police trainers near Amman two weeks ago. My colleagues Ewen MacAskill and Kareem Shaheen report more here. |
9.47pm GMT | 9.47pm GMT |
21:47 | 21:47 |
A summary of the developments so far in France, across Europe and in the Middle East, hours after a seven-hour gunfight shook Paris and five days after terrorists killed 129 people around the city. | A summary of the developments so far in France, across Europe and in the Middle East, hours after a seven-hour gunfight shook Paris and five days after terrorists killed 129 people around the city. |
In France after the raid in St-Denis | In France after the raid in St-Denis |
Eight people have been arrested | Eight people have been arrested |
Two people confirmed killed | Two people confirmed killed |
How the raid unfolded | How the raid unfolded |
Europe mourns attack victims | Europe mourns attack victims |
Investigations continue | Investigations continue |
Airstrikes in Syria | Airstrikes in Syria |
Updated | Updated |
at 9.50pm GMT | at 9.50pm GMT |
9.34pm GMT | 9.34pm GMT |
21:34 | 21:34 |
The US has offered a $5m reward for information leading to the location or identification of Islamic State leader Abu-Muhammad al-Shimali. | The US has offered a $5m reward for information leading to the location or identification of Islamic State leader Abu-Muhammad al-Shimali. |
Al-Shimali has facilitated travel from Turkey to Syria of prospective Islamic State fighters from Australia, Europe and the Middle East, according to the State Department. A statement describes al-Shimali: | Al-Shimali has facilitated travel from Turkey to Syria of prospective Islamic State fighters from Australia, Europe and the Middle East, according to the State Department. A statement describes al-Shimali: |
He now serves as a key leader in ISIL’s Immigration and Logistics Committee, and is responsible for facilitating the travel of foreign terrorist fighters primarily through Gaziantep, Turkey, and onward to the ISIL-controlled border town of Jarabulus, Syria. | He now serves as a key leader in ISIL’s Immigration and Logistics Committee, and is responsible for facilitating the travel of foreign terrorist fighters primarily through Gaziantep, Turkey, and onward to the ISIL-controlled border town of Jarabulus, Syria. |
Al-Shimali and the ISIL Immigration and Logistics Committee coordinate smuggling activities, financial transfers, and the movement of supplies into Syria and Iraq from Europe, North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. In 2014, al-Shimali facilitated the travel from Turkey to Syria of prospective ISIL fighters from Australia, Europe, and the Middle East, and managed ISIL’s processing center for new recruits in Azaz, Syria. | Al-Shimali and the ISIL Immigration and Logistics Committee coordinate smuggling activities, financial transfers, and the movement of supplies into Syria and Iraq from Europe, North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. In 2014, al-Shimali facilitated the travel from Turkey to Syria of prospective ISIL fighters from Australia, Europe, and the Middle East, and managed ISIL’s processing center for new recruits in Azaz, Syria. |
The Treasury Department named al-Shimali a terrorist earlier this year, describing him as a 36-year-old Saudi national who also goes by Tarad Mohamad Aljarba. | The Treasury Department named al-Shimali a terrorist earlier this year, describing him as a 36-year-old Saudi national who also goes by Tarad Mohamad Aljarba. |
The agency also offered up to $6m rewards for information about the whereabouts of several leaders of al-Shabaab, the extremist group that has killed thousands of people in Africa over the last decade. | The agency also offered up to $6m rewards for information about the whereabouts of several leaders of al-Shabaab, the extremist group that has killed thousands of people in Africa over the last decade. |
Updated | Updated |
at 9.44pm GMT | at 9.44pm GMT |
9.15pm GMT | 9.15pm GMT |
21:15 | 21:15 |
Three people claiming to support Isis have stabbed a teacher at a Jewish school in Marseilles, prosecutors there have told Reuters and the AFP. | Three people claiming to support Isis have stabbed a teacher at a Jewish school in Marseilles, prosecutors there have told Reuters and the AFP. |
The history teacher’s life is not in danger, prosecutor Brice Robin said. The agency reports: | The history teacher’s life is not in danger, prosecutor Brice Robin said. The agency reports: |
Three people on two scooters, one of them wearing an Islamic State t-shirt, approached the teacher in the street, Robin said | Three people on two scooters, one of them wearing an Islamic State t-shirt, approached the teacher in the street, Robin said |
Another of the attackers showed a picture on his mobile telephone of Mohamed Merah, a homegrown Islamist militant who killed seven people in a series of attacks in southern France in 2012. | Another of the attackers showed a picture on his mobile telephone of Mohamed Merah, a homegrown Islamist militant who killed seven people in a series of attacks in southern France in 2012. |
“The three people insulted, threatened and then stabbed their victim in the arm and leg. They were interrupted by the arrival of a car and fled,” Robin added. | “The three people insulted, threatened and then stabbed their victim in the arm and leg. They were interrupted by the arrival of a car and fled,” Robin added. |
The three assailants “shouted antisemitic obscenities” before striking the teacher, police chief Laurent Nunez told the AFP. Nunez said police are searching for the attackers. | The three assailants “shouted antisemitic obscenities” before striking the teacher, police chief Laurent Nunez told the AFP. Nunez said police are searching for the attackers. |
Updated | Updated |
at 9.17pm GMT | at 9.17pm GMT |
8.50pm GMT | 8.50pm GMT |
20:50 | 20:50 |
Mohamed Abdelslam lights a candle at a Brussels vigil for victims of the Paris attacks, for which his brother remains a wanted man. | Mohamed Abdelslam lights a candle at a Brussels vigil for victims of the Paris attacks, for which his brother remains a wanted man. |
Updated | Updated |
at 8.59pm GMT | at 8.59pm GMT |
8.48pm GMT | 8.48pm GMT |
20:48 | 20:48 |
France bars climate change marches | France bars climate change marches |
The French government has cancelled marches planned for international climate talks in Paris at the end of the month, citing security concerns. | The French government has cancelled marches planned for international climate talks in Paris at the end of the month, citing security concerns. |
All demonstrations organised in closed spaces or in places where security can easily be ensured could go ahead, foreign minister Laurent Fabius said in the statement. | All demonstrations organised in closed spaces or in places where security can easily be ensured could go ahead, foreign minister Laurent Fabius said in the statement. |
“However, in order to avoid additional risks, the government has decided not to authorise climate marches planned in public places in Paris and other French cities on Nov 29 and Dec 12,” it said. | “However, in order to avoid additional risks, the government has decided not to authorise climate marches planned in public places in Paris and other French cities on Nov 29 and Dec 12,” it said. |
Environmental activists had hoped the marches would attract 200,000 people to put pressure on governments to cut greenhouse gas emissions. They have had to rethink their plans following attacks in Paris last Friday that killed 129 people. More than 2,000 protests in around 150 countries are planned during the talks. | Environmental activists had hoped the marches would attract 200,000 people to put pressure on governments to cut greenhouse gas emissions. They have had to rethink their plans following attacks in Paris last Friday that killed 129 people. More than 2,000 protests in around 150 countries are planned during the talks. |
Emma Ruby-Sachs, deputy director of the campaign group Avaaz, said: “The police have just informed us that the tragic attacks in Paris have made the march there impossible. | Emma Ruby-Sachs, deputy director of the campaign group Avaaz, said: “The police have just informed us that the tragic attacks in Paris have made the march there impossible. |
“Now it’s even more important for people everywhere to march on the weekend of November 29th on behalf of those who can’t, and show that we are more determined than ever to meet the challenges facing humanity with hope, not fear.” | “Now it’s even more important for people everywhere to march on the weekend of November 29th on behalf of those who can’t, and show that we are more determined than ever to meet the challenges facing humanity with hope, not fear.” |
Updated | Updated |
at 8.51pm GMT | at 8.51pm GMT |
8.30pm GMT | 8.30pm GMT |
20:30 | 20:30 |
Hundreds of Belgians have held a candlelight vigil in memory of the Paris victims, gathering in Molenbeek, the neighborhood where two of the attackers grew up and where their family still lives. | Hundreds of Belgians have held a candlelight vigil in memory of the Paris victims, gathering in Molenbeek, the neighborhood where two of the attackers grew up and where their family still lives. |
The brother of the attackers, Mohamed Abdeslam, lit candles on the balcony of his family home. The troubled Brussels borough of 90,000 people is as much as 80% Muslim, and was home to Abdeslam’s brother, Saleh, who is still at large, and to Abdul-Hamid Abu Oud, the suspected mastermind of the Paris attacks. The AFP reports: | The brother of the attackers, Mohamed Abdeslam, lit candles on the balcony of his family home. The troubled Brussels borough of 90,000 people is as much as 80% Muslim, and was home to Abdeslam’s brother, Saleh, who is still at large, and to Abdul-Hamid Abu Oud, the suspected mastermind of the Paris attacks. The AFP reports: |
“Molenbeek is not a base camp for jihadism,” said town mayor Françoise Schepmans, wearing her ceremonial sash in the Belgian national colours of red, black and yellow. | “Molenbeek is not a base camp for jihadism,” said town mayor Françoise Schepmans, wearing her ceremonial sash in the Belgian national colours of red, black and yellow. |
Every street leading to the square was blocked with police barriers as officers patted down each person attending the twilight vigil. | Every street leading to the square was blocked with police barriers as officers patted down each person attending the twilight vigil. |
Once inside the perimeter, attendees chalked out “Molenbeek” in giant letters across the square as well as the peace symbol. | Once inside the perimeter, attendees chalked out “Molenbeek” in giant letters across the square as well as the peace symbol. |
In near silence, several people waved Belgian flags while others held balloons coloured in France’s red, white and blue. | In near silence, several people waved Belgian flags while others held balloons coloured in France’s red, white and blue. |
“The future of Brussels is here,” Dries, a 37-year-old from a neighbouring district. | “The future of Brussels is here,” Dries, a 37-year-old from a neighbouring district. |
“All these communities don’t mix enough,” said Quentin, a 39-year-old dance company director. “This vigil is the occasion for them to meet. We can expect nothing from our politicians,” he added. | “All these communities don’t mix enough,” said Quentin, a 39-year-old dance company director. “This vigil is the occasion for them to meet. We can expect nothing from our politicians,” he added. |
#Molenbeek #Brussels now. Square full of people to show solidarity and unity. #ParisAttacks pic.twitter.com/nFlcHai0TN | #Molenbeek #Brussels now. Square full of people to show solidarity and unity. #ParisAttacks pic.twitter.com/nFlcHai0TN |
8.08pm GMT | 8.08pm GMT |
20:08 | 20:08 |
Telegram, a privacy-minded messaging app that has been taken up by Isis militants, has blocked dozens of “Isis-related channels”, the company has announced. | Telegram, a privacy-minded messaging app that has been taken up by Isis militants, has blocked dozens of “Isis-related channels”, the company has announced. |
The startup has been criticized in recent weeks for its use by extremists, and on Tuesday its founder, exile Russian tech mogul Pavel Durov, said: “I think the French government is as responsible as Isis for this, because it is their policies and carelessness which eventually led to the tragedy.” | The startup has been criticized in recent weeks for its use by extremists, and on Tuesday its founder, exile Russian tech mogul Pavel Durov, said: “I think the French government is as responsible as Isis for this, because it is their policies and carelessness which eventually led to the tragedy.” |
This week we blocked 78 ISIS-related channels across 12 languages. More info on our official channel: https://t.co/69Yhn2MCrK | This week we blocked 78 ISIS-related channels across 12 languages. More info on our official channel: https://t.co/69Yhn2MCrK |
In a Facebook post under a photo himself in Paris, Durov went on to blame “shortsighted socialists who ruin this beautiful place”. | In a Facebook post under a photo himself in Paris, Durov went on to blame “shortsighted socialists who ruin this beautiful place”. |
“They take money away from hardworking people of France with outrageously high taxes and spend them on waging useless wars in the Middle East and on creating parasitic social paradise for North African immigrants. | “They take money away from hardworking people of France with outrageously high taxes and spend them on waging useless wars in the Middle East and on creating parasitic social paradise for North African immigrants. |
It is a disgrace to see Paris in the hands of shortsighted socialists who ruin this beautiful place. I hope they and their policies go away forever and this city will once again shine in its full glory .” | It is a disgrace to see Paris in the hands of shortsighted socialists who ruin this beautiful place. I hope they and their policies go away forever and this city will once again shine in its full glory .” |
Durov left Russia last year after losing control of VKontakte, a Facebook-like social network, to businessmen with ties to the Kremlin. | Durov left Russia last year after losing control of VKontakte, a Facebook-like social network, to businessmen with ties to the Kremlin. |
7.50pm GMT | 7.50pm GMT |
19:50 | 19:50 |
Honduran authorities have detained five Syrian nationals, Reuters reports, quoting police who say the Syrians were trying to reach the United States using stolen Greek passports | Honduran authorities have detained five Syrian nationals, Reuters reports, quoting police who say the Syrians were trying to reach the United States using stolen Greek passports |
There are no signs of any links to the Paris attacks, police said. Reuters reports: | There are no signs of any links to the Paris attacks, police said. Reuters reports: |
The group of Syrian men was held late on Tuesday in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa on arrival from Costa Rica and they were planning to head to the border with neighboring Guatemala. The passports had been doctored to replace the photographs with those of the Syrians, police said. | The group of Syrian men was held late on Tuesday in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa on arrival from Costa Rica and they were planning to head to the border with neighboring Guatemala. The passports had been doctored to replace the photographs with those of the Syrians, police said. |
Related: Honduras detains five Syrians with stolen Greek passports | Related: Honduras detains five Syrians with stolen Greek passports |
Honduran news agency La Prensa quotes Aníbal Baca, a spokesman for the police, as saying that investigators are working to identify the Syrians. | Honduran news agency La Prensa quotes Aníbal Baca, a spokesman for the police, as saying that investigators are working to identify the Syrians. |
A Greek diplomat arrived at the terminal and confirmed that the men do not speak a word of Greek. They said Interpol will hold talks with Greek authorities to determine more details. | A Greek diplomat arrived at the terminal and confirmed that the men do not speak a word of Greek. They said Interpol will hold talks with Greek authorities to determine more details. |
“The Honduran government is on alert to what is happening at the international level,” Baca said. “We’re coordinating to determine the legal status of these people.” | “The Honduran government is on alert to what is happening at the international level,” Baca said. “We’re coordinating to determine the legal status of these people.” |
Honduran police said they were proceeding with caution but did not at this point have reason to believe the men are linked to terrorism. | Honduran police said they were proceeding with caution but did not at this point have reason to believe the men are linked to terrorism. |
Updated | Updated |
at 10.48pm GMT | at 10.48pm GMT |
7.32pm GMT | 7.32pm GMT |
19:32 | 19:32 |
Russian media reports have said the terrorist bomb that downed an airliner inEgypt at the end of October was probably brought on board by Egyptian airport personnel, Alec Luhn reports from Moscow. | Russian media reports have said the terrorist bomb that downed an airliner inEgypt at the end of October was probably brought on board by Egyptian airport personnel, Alec Luhn reports from Moscow. |
On Tuesday, the Kremlin confirmed that a bomb had destroyed the plane and vowed to hunt down those responsible. Before then it had been reluctant to admit the likelihood of a terrorist attack against the St Petersburg-bound Airbus A321 that crashed, killing all 224 people on board. | On Tuesday, the Kremlin confirmed that a bomb had destroyed the plane and vowed to hunt down those responsible. Before then it had been reluctant to admit the likelihood of a terrorist attack against the St Petersburg-bound Airbus A321 that crashed, killing all 224 people on board. |
On Wednesday an Isis online magazine claimed to publish an exclusive photograph of the improvised explosive, disguised in a Schweppes soft drink can, that was used in the attack. | On Wednesday an Isis online magazine claimed to publish an exclusive photograph of the improvised explosive, disguised in a Schweppes soft drink can, that was used in the attack. |
The Russian newspaper Kommersant reported on Wednesday that investigators from the FSB intelligence agency had discovered a one-metre hole in a fragment of the plane’s fuselage with its edges turned out, indicating an explosion. | The Russian newspaper Kommersant reported on Wednesday that investigators from the FSB intelligence agency had discovered a one-metre hole in a fragment of the plane’s fuselage with its edges turned out, indicating an explosion. |
It quoted a source close to the investigation saying the blast had occurred in the rear of the passenger cabin, near the frame of the tail. The bomb was probably placed under a window seat, the source said. | It quoted a source close to the investigation saying the blast had occurred in the rear of the passenger cabin, near the frame of the tail. The bomb was probably placed under a window seat, the source said. |
On Monday president Vladimir Putin promised to hunt down the culprits “anywhere on the planet and punish them”, and on Wednesday Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov called the bombing “equivalent to an attack on the state”. | On Monday president Vladimir Putin promised to hunt down the culprits “anywhere on the planet and punish them”, and on Wednesday Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov called the bombing “equivalent to an attack on the state”. |
Also on Wednesday the US and Russia exchanged military intelligence about conducting air strikes in Syria. | Also on Wednesday the US and Russia exchanged military intelligence about conducting air strikes in Syria. |
Related: Egypt plane crash: Russian media links bomb to airport staff | Related: Egypt plane crash: Russian media links bomb to airport staff |
Updated | Updated |
at 7.35pm GMT | at 7.35pm GMT |
7.17pm GMT | 7.17pm GMT |
19:17 | 19:17 |
Air strikes have hit at least 177 targets in Isis’ main oil-producing region inthe last month, Reuters reports, as the US, France and other nations ramp up bombing runs in Syria and Iraq. | Air strikes have hit at least 177 targets in Isis’ main oil-producing region inthe last month, Reuters reports, as the US, France and other nations ramp up bombing runs in Syria and Iraq. |
Those strikes include 116 oil tanker trucks hit by coalition forces earlier this week as the United States targeted the vehicles for the first time in the wake of last Friday’s suicide and shooting attacks in Paris claimed by Islamic State. | Those strikes include 116 oil tanker trucks hit by coalition forces earlier this week as the United States targeted the vehicles for the first time in the wake of last Friday’s suicide and shooting attacks in Paris claimed by Islamic State. |
The stepped-up bombing campaign has also targeted oil and gas separation plants, oil rigs, pumps and storage tanks, according to a Reuters tally of air strikes provided by the Pentagon since 22 October. | The stepped-up bombing campaign has also targeted oil and gas separation plants, oil rigs, pumps and storage tanks, according to a Reuters tally of air strikes provided by the Pentagon since 22 October. |
The civilian fuel trucks hit this week are viewed as a crucial link for the extremist group’s oil business as they are used to transport oil across Islamic State territory and sell it to residents who use it to power generators and vehicles. | The civilian fuel trucks hit this week are viewed as a crucial link for the extremist group’s oil business as they are used to transport oil across Islamic State territory and sell it to residents who use it to power generators and vehicles. |
“We finally blew up a bunch of oil trucks,” said former State Department counter terrorism coordinator Daniel Benjamin. “It’s not entirely clear to me what took so long.” | “We finally blew up a bunch of oil trucks,” said former State Department counter terrorism coordinator Daniel Benjamin. “It’s not entirely clear to me what took so long.” |
Air strikes last year against targets such as mobile refineries had cut the group’s oil revenues from $3m a day to under $1m a day, according to Reuters. The extremists also rely on blackmarket antiquities, extortion and taxation to fund their war and terror campaigns. | Air strikes last year against targets such as mobile refineries had cut the group’s oil revenues from $3m a day to under $1m a day, according to Reuters. The extremists also rely on blackmarket antiquities, extortion and taxation to fund their war and terror campaigns. |
7.03pm GMT | 7.03pm GMT |
19:03 | 19:03 |
Molins was extremely cautious with reporters, declining to confirm a “definitive” number for how many people were killed in the raid in St-Denis. | Molins was extremely cautious with reporters, declining to confirm a “definitive” number for how many people were killed in the raid in St-Denis. |
“At this time, I’m not in a position to give a precise and definitive number for the people who died, nor their identities, but there are at least two dead people,” he said. | “At this time, I’m not in a position to give a precise and definitive number for the people who died, nor their identities, but there are at least two dead people,” he said. |
Molins also said that police were drawn to the neighborhood not only from witness accounts that Abu Oud was nearby but thanks to tapped phone conversations and police surveillance. | Molins also said that police were drawn to the neighborhood not only from witness accounts that Abu Oud was nearby but thanks to tapped phone conversations and police surveillance. |
He said when the raid began police were initially thwarted by a reinforced door, and that the explosions that rocked the apartment left it structurally unsound, slowing the progress of investigation. | He said when the raid began police were initially thwarted by a reinforced door, and that the explosions that rocked the apartment left it structurally unsound, slowing the progress of investigation. |
6.32pm GMT | 6.32pm GMT |
18:32 | 18:32 |
Prosecutor's briefing | Prosecutor's briefing |
With that the press conference by Paris prosecutor Francois Molins ends. | With that the press conference by Paris prosecutor Francois Molins ends. |
Updated | Updated |
at 8.43pm GMT | at 8.43pm GMT |