The Belgian militant suspected of orchestrating the devastating attacks on Paris died Wednesday during a police raid. Prosecutor François Molins released a statement saying Abdelhamid Abaaoud’s body was “heavily riddled with wounds from gunfire and a grenade detonated during the raid.” His identity was confirmed via fingerprint analysis, but it is unclear if he detonated the grenade.
French officials say Abaaoud was involved in four to six other foiled terrorist plots against France. He was also linked to the planning of the August attack aboard a train heading toward Paris where a heavily armed man opened fire on passengers before being overtaken by three American tourists. Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said in a press conference that “it is urgent for Europe to come together” and better share intelligence to prevent further attacks. Justice ministers from European Union member states are gathering in Brussels on Friday for an emergency meeting on the matter.
