THE LATEST: FRANCE SAYS ATTACK ‘MASTERMIND’ WAS KILLED
PARIS (AP) – The latest on the deadly attacks in Paris. (All times local): 1:35 p.m. The Paris prosecutor says that the suspected mastermind of the Paris attacks, Abdelhamid Abaaoud, was killed in a police raid. In a statement Thursday, the prosecutor’s office said that Abaaoud’s body was found in an apartment building targeted in the raid in Saint-Denis north of Paris Wednesday. It said he was identified based on skin samples. — 1:15 p.m. People across France are raising a glass of wine in an act of defiance after the deadly attacks on Paris. The third Thursday in November is “Beaujolais Day,” when vintners release their latest batch of young, fruity Beaujolais Nouveau, and many bars and restaurants hold special tasting sessions.
FRENCH LEADER: EXTREMISTS MAY STRIKE WITH CHEMICAL, BIO ARMS
PARIS (AP) – With France still reeling from last week’s deadly attacks in Paris, Prime Minister Manuel Valls warned Thursday that Islamic extremists might at some point use chemical or biological weapons, and urged lawmakers to extend a national state of emergency by three months. “Terrorism hit France not because of what it is doing in Iraq and Syria … but for what it is,” Valls told the lower house of Parliament. He added, “We know that there could also be a risk of chemical or biological weapons.” Valls did not say there was a specific threat involving such weapons. In neighboring Belgium, where many of the Paris attackers lived, Prime Minister Charles Michel on Thursday announced a package of additional anti-terror measures, and said 400 million euros ($427 million) would be earmarked to expand the fight.
FEMALE SUICIDE BOMBER IN FRANCE ONE OF MANY IN HISTORY
BEIRUT (AP) – The woman who blew herself up with an explosive vest in a suburban Paris apartment during a police operation Wednesday was far from the world’s first female suicide bomber. While most suicide bombers are men, Islamic militant groups have occasionally deployed women to carry out such attacks. Long before the rise of Islamic radicalism, women suicide bombers were used by leftist and separatist groups in the Arab world and beyond. Here’s a look at female suicide bombers over the years: LEBANON AND PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES During Israel’s 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon that ended in 2000, several women belonging to leftist groups blew themselves up targeting Israeli forces.