France began a massive raid against suspected terrorists on Wednesday, which has resulted in the identification of some of the terror suspects. The raid follows a series of ISIS attacks, including the Nov. 13 shooting that occurred at the Bataclan theater, as HNGN previously reported.
The suspected mastermind of the terrorist attacks, 27-year-old Abdelhamid Abaaoud, is thought to have been hiding in the France suburb of Saint-Denis.
Police began their assault around 4:30 a.m., as HNGN reported at the time. Gunfire and at least seven explosions were heard by witnesses. Police had to break down a reinforced door, giving the suspects inside time to prepare. Once police opened the door, an intense firefight ensued.
Reports indicate two deaths, including a female suicide bomber. French media identified the suicide bomber as 26-year-old Hasna Aitboulacen, thought to be a cousin of Abaaoud. European Intelligence officials stated that Abaaoud was also killed in the raid, according to The Independent; however, the dead bodies were so mangled, French authorities did not state whether Abaaoud was among the dead.
However, Abaaoud had boasted of escaping authorities before. He moved freely between Europe and Syria on several occasions saying, "the infidels were blinded by Allah."
Reports show police fired at least 5,000 rounds, as well as lobbed grenades and used snipers. After the fighting, Abaaoud was not one of the eight suspects taken into custody.
"I am not able to give you the definitive number and identities of the people who were killed," Paris prosecutor Francois Mollins stated, according to The New York Times.
