The first reports confirmed at least one terrorist had been killed by a sniper, while a female suspect killed herself by detonating a vest rigged with explosives. The woman who triggered her explosive belt is the first ever female suicide bomber to die in France.
At least three police officers were wounded in the initial shoot-out, according to BFM TV. At 7am GMT, one suspect was still holed up in the apartment, according to the authorities, as French justice minister Christiane Taubira said the raid was coming to an end.
Target of the operation is Abdelhamid Abbaoud
Police sources said the target of the operation is Belgian Isis jihadist Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the mastermind behind the Paris attacks, after reports claimed he may not be in Raqqa, as initially believed.
Abaaoud, a 28-year-old of Moroccan origin, has been linked to a number of terror plots and recruitment efforts in Europe over the past two years. The eighth suspect in the attack, Salah Abdeslam, was also said to be a target in the raid.
Police told local residents and onlookers to clear the vicinity of the operation and to stay away from windows. Public transport has also been halted in the area.
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