Alleged Ringleader of Paris Attacks Reportedly Killed In Early Morning Raid
Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the Belgian national who intelligence officials believe to be the ringleader of ISIS attacks in Paris that killed 132 people, died in a raid early this morning, reports the Washington Post, citing “two senior European intelligence officials.”
Per the Post’s sources, Abaaoud’s death was confirmed via DNA evidence:
The confirmation was made after forensic experts combed through the aftermath — blown-out windows, floors collapsed by explosions — presumably seeking DNA and other evidence. The intelligence officials spoke on condition of anonymity before announcements from authorities.
Paris officials held a press conference this afternoon regarding the raid, which took place in a suburb north of Paris called Saint-Denis, revealing that police fired over 5,000 rounds during in the stand-off. Officials also stated that two people were killed: a woman who detonated a suicide vest and a man who was killed by a grenade. Seven others were detained in the raid and five police officers were injured.
Officials at the press conference did not confirm if the deceased man was indeed Abaaoud.
