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Obama, Modi, UN chief condemn Paris attacks
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Washington, Nov 14 

 US President Barack Obama on Friday condemned the deadly attacks currently still unfolding in Paris, France, and said it was too early to determine who was behind those attacks, Xinhua reported.

Calling the attacks in and around Paris on Friday evening which had so far claimed at least 40 lives "an outrageous attempt to terrorise innocent civilians," Obama said the United States stood ready to provide assistance for the French government.

He also said US officials were "in contact with French counterparts to communicate condolences to families of the victims".

According to a statement issued by the Pentagon, US defense chief Ash Carter was closely monitoring the situation in Paris, and no US defense department personnel had so far been affected by the attacks.

Citing US Homeland Security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, US media reported earlier that the United States believed that the attacks now underway in and around Paris were coordinated.

So far, no group or individuals had claimed responsibility for the attacks, and Obama said in his brief statement that he would not speculate at this moment who was responsible for the attacks.

Modi condemns France attacks

New Delhi, Nov 14 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday condemned the deadly attacks in France capital Paris, and said the tragedy is anguishing and dreadful.

"News from Paris is anguishing and dreadful. Prayers with families of the deceased. We are united with people of France in this tragic hour," Modi said in a tweet.

Paris saw a series of explosions and shootings on Friday that reportedly killed at least 140 people and injured many more, Xinhua reported.

Four suspected terrorists were killed during the hostages rescue operation conducted by French security forces on Saturday at the Bataclan theatre.

Total seven simultaneous shootings rocked central Paris on Friday. One of it turned to hostage taking at the Bataclan theatre and concert hall where hundreds of people were attending a concert of a rock group.

UN chief slams terrorist attacks in Paris

United Nations, Nov 14 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday condemned "the despicable terrorist attacks carried out today in various locations in and around Paris," and demanded "the immediate release of the numerous individuals reportedly being held hostage in the Bataclan theatre."

"The secretary-general trusts that the French authorities will do all in their power to bring the perpetrators to justice quickly," Xinhua quoted a statement as saying.

"The secretary-general extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured. He stands with the government and people of France," the statement added.

At least 60 people are reportedly killed in a series of what appears to be coordinated attacks across Paris late Friday. A hostage situation is unfolding at a concert hall in the French capital.