Terrorist Attack Jolts France; ISIS Takes Responsibility

An armed man attacked a police bus in Paris, France's capital. There is news of the death of a policeman in the attack while two others have been seriously injured. However, according to Sky News, another injured policeman has died in the hospital. According to French President Francois Hollande, he is sure that this was a terrorist attack.

Time of Occurrence of Attack

The attack took place on the main street of the city in the Elihe region of Paris. Shan Eliege is one of Paris's famous places, and there is a gathering of foreign tourists all the time here. According to the French media, the attacker landed with a car and started firing on the police bus from an automatic gun. After the incident the whole area was sealed. The attacker tried to flee but the security forces followed him and killed him in an encounter. French government spokesman Pierre Henry Brandt told the media that the assailant targeted the policemen under a conspiracy.

ISIS Takes Responsibility

According to the French media, the terrorist organization ISIS has taken responsibility for the attack. The Paris Administration claims that the attacker has been identified. However, his identity has not been released by the government. But the ISIS supporter, the news agency Amak, has issued a statement on the website quoting a terrorist organization in which the gunman has been described as the organization's fighter, and it has been claimed to be Abu Yusuf al-Baljiki. In Paris, his house and neighborhood are being searched. The police are finding out whether more terrorists were involved in the attack. After the attack, anti-terrorism campaign has been launched throughout France.

Attack Before the Presidential Election

The attack took place just before the Presidential election that is scheduled to be held in France on Sunday. In the honor of the policemen killed in the attack, more than 11 candidates have finished their promotion. In France, more than 238 people have been killed in terror attacks since 2015. Most of these attacks have been carried out by ISIS. Therefore, terrorism is one of the biggest issues in the elections. The right-wing candidate Marine Lee Pin is the strongest candidate to win. It is believed that the attack can benefit them.

Worldwide Condemnation

The countries including Europe and America have condemned the attacks. American President Donald Trump has advised the people of France to remain strong and alert. They said, 'We express sympathy with the people of France. This was another terrorist attack. What can we say? ‘Such attacks keep on taking place across the globe.' After the attack, the British Prime Minister has expressed condolences with the French President.

                                                                ---Ashish Jha