In the wake of last night's horrifying attacks on the French capital city, the Islamic State have today claimed responsibility for the events which unfolded across Paris and stunned the wider world this weekend.
In a statement released by ISIS, the group outlined their reasoning for the series of shootings and bombings which have thus far claimed the lives of more than 100 people.
The statement, which was initially released in French, has since been translated by innumerable news outlets and illustrated the group's stance on the events which unfolded in the French capital.
Praising Allah at the beginning of their document, they continued: "In a blessed attack for which Allah facilitated the causes for success, a faithful group of the soldiers of the Caliphate, may Allah dignify it and make it victorious, launched out, targeting the capital of prostitution and obscenity, the carrier of the banner of the Cross in Europe, Paris."
"So they were honest with Allah, we consider them thusly, and Allah conquered through their hands and cast in the hearts of the Crusaders horror in the middle of their land, where eight brothers wrapped in explosive belts and armed with machine rifles, targeted sites that were accurately chosen in the heart of the capital of France, including the Stade de France during the match between the Crusader German and French teams, where the fool of France, Francois Hollande, was present."
The group specifically referenced their points of attack, continuing: "They also targeted the Bataclan Conference Centre, where hundreds of apostates had gathered in a profligate prostitution party, and other areas in the 10th and 11th and 18th arrondissements and in a coordinated fashion."
"Allah had granted our brothers their wish and gave them what they loved, for they detonated their belts in the gatherings of the disbelievers after running out of ammunition, we ask Allah to accept them among the martyrs and make us follow them."
Issuing a warning to the public, the group continued: "Let France and those who walk in its path know that they will remain on the top of the list of targets of the Islamic State, and that the smell of death will never leave their noses."
Finishing their admission with another stark warning, they wrote: "This attack is the first of the storm and a warning to those who wish to learn."
Speaking out during the events last night, French president, Francois Hollande said: "This is a terrible ordeal which once again assails us. We know where it comes from, who these criminals are, who these terrorists are."
Encouraging the people of France to rally in the face of unimaginable horror, he urged: "Faced with terror, France needs to be strong, it must be great and the state authorities must be firm. We will be."
Our thoughts remain with all those affected by last night's unspeakable acts.
