Islamic State group claims Paris attacks, France vows punishment

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for attacks in Paris that killed over 120 people, the Associated Press reports.

The claim was made in a statement in Arabic and French released online Saturday, November 14 and circulated by supporters of the group. It was not immediately possible to confirm the authenticity of the statement, but it bore the group's logo and resembled previous statements issued by the group.

In its claim of responsibility, Islamic State said the attacks were a response to France's campaign against its fighters.

It also distributed an undated video in which a militant said France would not live peacefully as long it took part in U.S.-led bombing raids against them.

"As long as you keep bombing you will not live in peace. You will even fear traveling to the market," said a bearded Arabic-speaking militant, flanked by other fighters.

French President Francois Hollande had earlier blamed the attacks on the IS group, calling it "an act of war" and vowing to strike back.

French President Francois Hollande vowed to attack the Islamic State group without mercy as the jihadist group admitted responsibility Saturday for orchestrating the deadliest attacks inflicted on France since World War II.

Hollande said at least 127 people died Friday night in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France's national stadium and a hostage-taking slaughter inside a concert hall.

Hollande, who declared three days of national mourning and raised the nation's security to its highest level, called the carnage "an act of war that was prepared, organized, planned from abroad with internal help."