Paris: Gunmen launched a string of coordinated attacks in Paris on Friday, killing more than 120 people and sparking a global outrage.
At least 200 people were injured in the attacks across six locations around Paris. In one attack, four black-clad gunmen wearing suicide vests and wielding AK-47s stormed into the Bataclan venue in eastern Paris and fired calmly and methodically at hundreds of screaming concert-goers.
World leaders and officials condemned the attacks and vowed solidarity with France. Here’s what they had to say.
UAE's Gargash says more must be done to combat terror
Reacting to news of deadly attacks in Paris, Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, said on Twitter on Saturday that more must be done to combat terrorism.
"The terrorist outrage in Paris proves that much more must be done to combat extremism and terrorism by all of us. None is immune. One must understand our common struggle against extremism & terrorism is a generational challenge. We need to plan, cooperate and persevere," he posted on Twitter.
"The UAE has been forthright and clear in tackling extremism and terrorism. No grey areas in our view. Our tough approach vindicated," he added.
Iraq PM says Paris attacks show need for global action
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi on Saturday condemned gun and bomb attacks in Paris, saying they showed the need for action against militants worldwide.
"We condemn and deplore the terrorist attacks in Paris, which emphasise that fighting terrorism calls for international efforts to eliminate it in all countries," Abadi said in a statement.
Paris attacks a 'violation of all religions': Saudi FM
The "heinous" Paris attacks are a violation of all religions and underline the need to intensify efforts against "terrorism," Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said on Saturday as he arrived for talks on ending Syria's civil war.
"I wanted to express our condolences to the government and people of France for the heinous terrorist attacks that took place yesterday which are in violation and contravention of all ethics, morals and religions," Adel Al Jubeir told reporters in Vienna.
"The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has long called for more intensified international efforts to combat the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and shapes," he said.
Rouhani brands attacks ‘crimes against humanity’
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani strongly condemned Friday’s deadly attacks in Paris, branding them “crimes against humanity” in a message to his French counterpart Francois Hollande, official news agency Irna said.
“In the name of the Iranian people, who have themselves been victims of terrorism, I strongly condemn these crimes against humanity and offer my condolences to the grieving French people and government,” Rouhani wrote. Rouhani has postponed a planned Europe trip after the Paris attacks.
UN chief condemns ‘despicable terrorist attacks’
“The secretary-general condemns the despicable terrorist attacks carried out today in various locations in and around Paris,” according to a statement by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
“The secretary-general extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured. He stands with the government and people of France.” The UN Security Council also condemned what it called “the barbaric and cowardly terrorist attacks.”
Obama says Paris attacks on ‘all of humanity’
US President Barack Obama called the series of attacks an “attack on all of humanity” and pledged to work with France to bring those responsible to justice.
“Whenever these kinds of attacks happen, we’ve always been able to count on the French people to stand with us. They have been an extraordinary counterterrorism partner. And we intend to be there with them in that same fashion,” Obama said in a brief speech from the White House.
French President Francois Hollande and Obama on Saturday vowed to reinforce their counter-terrorism cooperation following Friday’s attacks in Paris.”Barack Obama wanted to express his support to the French people in the face of this terrible tragedy,” said the source. “They reaffirmed their commitment to working closely in the fight against terrorism.”
Canada ‘stands with France’
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed solidarity with France.
“I am shocked and saddened that so many people have been killed and injured in violent attacks in Paris,” Trudeau said, offering his condolences. “Canada stands with France at this dark time and offers all possible assistance.”
Merkel ‘profoundly shocked’ by Paris ‘terrorist’ attacks
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was “profoundly shocked” by a string of deadly attacks in Paris. “At this time, my thoughts are with the victims of these apparently terrorist attacks, and with their families and all residents of Paris,” Merkel said in a statement.
Russia condemned the “inhuman” attacks in Paris and said it was ready to help in investigations.
Philippines vows ‘higher’ Apec summit security
The Philippines on Saturday vowed “higher security” for world leaders at an economic summit in Manila next week following the attacks in Paris.
Leaders of US, China, Japan, Australia, Canada and 15 others at an annual Asia-Pacific Economic Conference summit in Manila on November 18 to 19.
Asked about the implications of the Paris attacks on the APEC summit, Foreign Undersecretary Laura del Rosario, a member of the summit organising committee, told AFP by text: “Higher security.”
Foreign department spokesman Charles Jose added: “Our security officials are monitoring and assessing the situation and are taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety, security and well-being of all delegates.”
Singapore raises alert level
Singapore on Saturday raised its security alert level following the wave of bombings and shootings in Paris, the interior minister said.
“These attacks show that no country is immune, even when there is a state of heightened security,” Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said in a statement. “In Singapore, today, we have raised our alert level. We have stepped up security measures, border checks and vigilance,” he said in a statement.
Belgium bolsters border checks
Belgian authorities said on Saturday they have boosted checks on their borders, especially with France, following attacks in Paris that have left at least 120 people dead. The authorities also urged increased vigilance for big events in Belgium over the weekend but said it was not necessary to increase the alert level.
“Reinforced border checks have been established on the borders within the framework especially of a close collaboration with the French authorities,” according to Belgium’s national centre for threat evaluation, OCAM.
