Obama: Paris attacks 'outrageous attempt' to spread fear

WASHINGTON

US President Barack Obama said late on Nov. 13 attacks in France are an “outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians.”

“This is an attack not just on Paris. It’s an attack not just on the people of France. But this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values that we share,” Obama said, offering “whatever assistance that the government and the people of France need to respond.”

“We stand together with them in the fight against terrorism and extremism,” he said at the White House. “Those that think they can terrorize the people of France or the values that they stand for are wrong. The American people draw strength from the French people’s commitment to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the "despicable terrorist attacks."

"[Ban] demands the immediate release of the numerous individuals reportedly being held hostage in the Bataclan theatre," according to a statement by his spokesperson.

In a press release, the U.N. Security Council sharply condemned the attacks, calling them "barbaric and cowardly."

The 15-member body "underlined the need to bring the perpetrators of these terrorist acts to justice."

U.N. General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft also termed the attacks "an outrage to humanity."

"My heart goes out to the families of all those killed, injured and taken hostage and to France which once again is bearing the brunt of the fight against terrorism," Lykketoft said in a statement.

Paris deputy mayor said late Friday “as many as 118” victims were killed at the Bataclan arts center; two gunmen were also killed.

Scores of victims are thought to have been killed across the French capital, with shootings and explosions reported at different sites.