France: Police kill hostage-taker in Trèbes (Aude) March 23 /update 3

Event

Security sources reported at approximately 14:45 (local time) that police officers have killed the hostage-taker at the Super U supermarket in Trèbes (Aude department) on Friday, March 23. Initial reports indicate that at least three people were killed and around a dozen others wounded in the incident before the attacker was neutralized. An investigation is ongoing and continued security operations are to be anticipated in the area.

Context

The incident began around 11:00 when a gunman opened fire on police officers (wounding one) in Carcassonne before driving to Trèbes and barricading himself in the supermarket around 11:15. According to an official, the perpetrator has declared allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) and the incident is being treated as a terrorist attack. The assailant is reportedly a Moroccan national known to the French authorities.

Advice

Individuals in Trèbes are advised to avoid the area until further notice and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.