Gunman Takes Hostages At Supermarket in France, Claims ISIS Allegiance: Reports
A hostage situation is underway at a supermarket in the south of France following a shooting, AFP has reported. The gunman has claimed allegiance to the Islamic State militant group (ISIS).
The shooting took place in Trèbes, Aude, around 62 miles from Toulouse and close to the Spanish border. AFP quoted “sources close to the case” as saying that a men entered a “Super U” supermarket, before shots were heard. French newspaper Le Depeche du Midi quoted witnesses who said the man said he wanted to “avenge Syria.”
There have been unconfirmed reports that at least one person has been killed. Local French media has reported that the person killed is a supermarket employee.
Reuters reported that at least eight people were initially taken hostage. The latest reports suggest that the gunman is inside the supermarket with just one police officer, all other hostages having been freed.
The ongoing incident, which French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said appears to be a “terrorist act,” is being referred to the counter-terrorism unit of the Paris Prosecutor's office, AFP said. French Minister of the Interior Gérard Collomb is heading to the scene, which is now under lockdown by armed police.
France’s Ministry of the Interior said that a police operation is underway and that more information would follow.
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AFP’s France correspondent said that a police officer had also been shot in Carcassonne, some 5 miles away. She noted that it is unclear if the two reports are linked.
Le Figaro reported that a man in a car attempted to run over a group of policemen who were out jogging before firing several shots at them and fleeing. The officers threw themselves to the floor, but one was hit in the shoulder and was transported to hospital.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes avaliable.
