Seychelles condemns 'barbaric acts' of terrorism in France - President Michel sends message of condolences and solidarity

Seychelles President James Michel (Seychelles News Agency)

(Seychelles News Agency) - The Seychelles President James Michel has joined world leaders in sending a message of condolences and solidarity to his French counterpart Francois Hollande, following what has been described as ‘a string of near-simultaneous terrorist attacks’ in Paris.

At least 120 people have been confirmed dead, more than 200 others were injured some of them are said to be in critical conditions.

The series of gun and bomb attacks targetted at least six locations in the French capital, Friday evening.

Most of the dead, some 80 people were killed after gunmen opened fire at the Bataclan concert hall, which was hosting a performance by a US rock group.

The five other locations where the attacks were carried out also include ‘Stade de France’ where Hollande was among some 80 thousand spectators watching a friendly international football match between France and Germany.

According to a press statement issued by the Seychelles foreign affairs ministry this morning, the Seychellois Head of State has expressed 'the sadness and indignation' felt upon hearing news of the attacks.

"On this sad occasion, on behalf of the people of Seychelles, the government and I personally would like to express our deep compassion, sincere condolences and total solidarity,” said Michel in his message addressed to the people of France and President Hollande.

Michel has also strongly condemned what he has described as such “barbaric acts.”

“…Seychelles condemns in the strongest terms these criminal and despicable acts,” he said adding that the island nation will always stand by the people of France in both painful and joyous times.

The statement also adds that the Seychelles President has expressed his readiness to work with President Hollande "to fight against terrorism and all forms of violence threatening peace and security in the world.” 

Rescuers evacuate an injured person near the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, early on November 14, 2015. At least 120 people were killed in a series of terror attacks in Paris on November 13 according to a provisional total, a source close to the investigation said. (AFP PHOTO/MIGUEL MEDINA) Photo License: All Rights Reserved

The motives of the attacks are still unclear although one of the witnesses of the Bataclan attack has claimed to have heard one of the attackers express support for the militant Islamic State (IS) group.

According to an AFP report, the attacker is said to have shouted "It's Hollande's fault, he shouldn't have intervened in Syria!"

According to a BBC report French police believe all of the gunmen had been killed although it remains unclear whether any accomplices were still on the run.

“Paris residents have been asked to stay indoors and about 1,500 military personnel are being deployed across the city,” reads the BBC report.

President Hollande has declared a national state of emergency; a first for France since 2005 and border controls have also been tightened following the tragic attacks.