A t least 120 people were killed in the attacks in Paris yesterday — that number may be as high as 158 people — and 200 people were reported injured in what is being called the deadliest violence to strike France since World War II; and a curfew was officially in effect in Paris for the first time since 1944.
Seven of the eight people who committed the heinous attacks killed themselves in suicide explosions; while the eighth attacker was killed by security forces at the Bataclan theater, where the hard rock band Eagles of Death Metal were performing — and it was also the location where the worst of the attacks occurred.
No one knows how many people were involved in the attack at a minimum of six separate venues in Paris — nor whether or not any additional attackers may still be at large; and no one has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks, which were condemned by the leaders of many nations around the world. The attacks were believed to be the work of terrorists due to the organized simultaneous nature of the attacks; as well as the fact that suicide bombers were involved.
Some lines of the Metro were shut closed down as a result of the attacks. Meanwhile, Francois Hollande — who is the president of France and was evacuated from the Stade de France stadium north of Paris during a friendly football match between France and Germany at the time of the explosions — had initially called for the borders of France to be closed as a result of having declared a state of emergency to keep assailants from leaving the country; but instead, checkpoints at borders had reportedly been established for the first time since the Schengen Area was established in Europe, which eliminated border controls between participating countries.
Intra-Schengen border controls were considered before this incident and were expected to last for at least a month, according to this discussion posted on FlyerTalk — but now the future is uncertain at this time.
Approximately 1,500 extra soldiers have been mobilized to guard facilities. Schools and universities are closed.
Discussion Amongst Frequent Fliers
“I have no sympathy for the bad guys, but I certainly hope they aren’t all dead”, posted an angry FlyerTalk member Mike Jacoubowsky in this discussion. “Someday they may be rotting in a cell and finally realize the moral and ethical challenges to their soul. That plus the lack of martyrdom might slow down recruiting efforts. Much less romance to the notion of likely slowly losing everything that defines you behind prison bars.”
Meanwhile, FlyerTalk member Far Siren is attempting to organize a gathering of fellow members of FlyerTalk in an effort to demonstrate support and show solidarity to those who have suffered from the violent attacks — while simultaneously showing defiance to those who are responsible for the attacks and helping to revitalize tourism in Paris. Some FlyerTalk members believe that it is too soon to attempt to organize such a gathering.
The terror attacks in Paris are the subject of this discussion at InsideFlyer.
Travel May Possibly Be Affected
Although Charles de Gaulle International Airport reportedly remained open, flights — such as those operated by American Airlines — were delayed yesterday as a result of the attacks.
Travel by commercial airplane to and from France is currently being reported as normal; but if your travel plans include France within the next few days, you may want to consider delaying your travel — or, at least, keep yourself updated as to the latest information pertaining to this situation. Consider calling the airline which is operating your flight, as some airlines — such as British Airways and Air France, for example, as well as train service provided by Eurostar, according to this article written by Mark Beattie of Miles from Blighty — are reportedly either allowing for changes to itineraries or limited refunds; or asking passengers to allow additional time for enhanced security checks on its flights. If you do travel, be prepared for significantly increased security screenings and measures.
Please remain aware of your surroundings and alert as to updates of this situation — and please: travel safely.
Photograph ©2008 by Brian Cohen.
