New York Times: Belgian Who Fought for ISIS Masterminded Paris Attack, Official Says
BRUSSELS — The French authorities have concluded that Abdelhamid Abaaoud, a 27-year-old Belgian man who has fought in Syria for the Islamic State, was the mastermind of the Paris terrorist attacks.
A French official briefed on the investigation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss operational details, said that Mr. Abaaoud, who had been wanted in Belgium for a terrorist plot that was foiled in January, had mentioned plans to attack “a concert hall” to a French citizen who had come back from Syria. Mr. Abaaoud, this official said, was also in contact with Ismaël Omar Mostefaï, one of the Paris attackers.
President François Hollande of France said the attacks had been “planned in Syria, organized in Belgium and perpetrated on our soil with French complicity.”
He said: “France is at war.” He described Syria as “the biggest factory of terrorists the world has ever known.”
MIDDLE EAST
Raqqa activists reveal details of French airstrikes on Syria.
US conducts first strikes on ISIS oil trucks.
Iraq: Yazidi mass grave discovered in Sinjar.
Coalition-backed Yemeni forces launch Taiz offensive.
Tensions in Iran after nuclear deal grow in hostility.
Israeli forces kill Palestinians at Qalandiya camp.
Israel angered by 'appalling' Swedish comments after Paris attacks.
ASIA
APEC summit tests security in volatile Philippines.
Breakaway Taliban faction says deputy leader wounded but alive.
As Obama visits, Philippine court delays ruling on military deal.
Japan's economy falls back into recession again. Japan relapses into recession in July-September, a blow to 'Abenomics'.
Japan fuel reprocessing plant delayed again, until 2018.
World leaders laud Myanmar election as Suu Kyi secures majority.
Wanted opposition leader delays return to Cambodia.
UN's Ban Ki-moon to visit North Korea, report says.
AFRICA
Egypt kills 24 militants in central Sinai, security sources say.
Bodies of 15 migrants found in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.
Somali refugees killed as forces clash in Mogadishu.
Mali army says arrests Islamist militant figure.
Deadly violence rocks Burundi's capital.
Boko Haram attacks persist, but Nigerian officials say group is losing ground.
Islamic State tightens grip in central Libya with executions: U.N..
Kerry in Tunisia to help bolster fledgling democracy.
Paris attacks: Kenya and Uganda step up security.
EUROPE
Abdelhamid Abaaoud named as alleged mastermind of Paris terror attacks.
Britain hires spies, France seeks tougher EU border security after attacks.
Putin says Russia’s relations with Western partners now less strained than year ago.
Russia agrees to restructure Ukraine's debt — Putin.
Germany launches campaign to discourage Afghan refugees from heading to Europe.
Ukraine votes in second round of local elections.
Poroshenko condemns rise in separatist attacks in east. Ukraine president condemns escalation as soldier killed.
AMERICAS
Obama defends ISIS strategy, rejects blocking Muslim refugees.
Obama calls idea of religious preference for refugees 'shameful'.
Obama still plans to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees despite Paris terrorist attacks. Paris attacks: US states halt taking Syrian refugees.
Anxiety grows over Islamic State militant recruits in U.S..
Canada sticking to plan to withdraw jets from ISIS mission: PM.
Colombia's Farc urges prisoners' release on health grounds.
Presidential hopefuls clash in Argentina debate.
Nicaragua turns back Cuban migrants to Costa Rica. Cuban migrant wave prompts Nicaraguan military to seal border.
Baltimore sees 300 homicides in one year for first time since 1999.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
CIA director anticipates more ISIS attacks 'in the pipeline'.
ISIS video threatens attack on Washington, warns countries taking part in Syria airstrikes.
UAE takes 5 Yemeni prisoners freed by U.S. from Guantanamo.
Afghan official: Drone strike kills 12 Taliban in southeast.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
OPEC export price falls below $40 for first time since 2009.
Marriott to buy Starwood to create world's biggest hotel chain.
Oil's Paris response is telling.
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