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Have The Paris Shooters Been Caught? Police Indicate The Suspects May Be Dead

by Leah Rocketto

UPDATE: One day after ISIS has claimed responsibility for the Paris terror attacks, France reportedly launched airstrikes against the militant group in Syria, dropping 20 bombs in the area. Some targets were destroyed, according to reports, but not much else is known about the airstrikes.

One of the suspected suicide bombers has been identified as Ismael Omar Mostefai. Authorities also confirmed that seven of the assailants have died, and the attacks were carried out by three coordinated groups. Paris police, however, are currently hunting for an eighth attacker who may still be at large, who has been identified as 26-year-old Abdeslam Salah.

Officials have confirmed that a police raid in Belgium led to the arrests of seven individuals who may have ties to the attacks.

On Saturday, French president François Hollande has also put the blame on ISIS, calling their actions an "act of war." Said ISIS in a statement released less than 24 hours after the attacks:

France needs to know it still remains at the top of the target list of the Islamic State.

The death toll currently sits at about 130, with over 350 wounded. (One of those killed was an American woman studying abroad in France.) According to French Prosecutor François Molins, nearly 100 of those wounded are critically injured.

EARLIER: Earlier today, shots were fired in Paris but French police told press that they believe all attackers are dead.

BBC reports that at least six shootings occured and, in one instance, shooters opened fire at the Petit Cambodge, a restaurant in the 11th district. Citizens also reported three explosions occurring at a bar near Stade de France, where France was hosting Germany in a friendly soccer match. BBC adds that French President Francois Hollande was watching the game, but was moved to safety. As of now, more than 100 people have been reported dead from these attacks and several more injured in the attacks.

Multiple news outlets reported a hostage situation most likely connected to the attacks. BBC and The Associated Press are reported that 100 people were killed in the hostage situation, which took place inside the Bataclan Concert Hall in Paris. After a police-led attack, however, the hostage situation ended with two of the hostage-takers being taken out by police. Though the number of attackers remins unknown, the Paris prosecutors told the Associated Press that five attackers may be dead across the city.

Police have yet to release a statement identifying the shooters, victims, or the hostages. They have, however, confirmed that suicide bombers are responsible for two of the explosions.

Images: DOMINIQUE FAGET/ Getty