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Raid May Have Prevented Another Paris Attack; Two Suspects Killed And Seven Held In France Raid; Explosions Rang Out During Live CNN Report; Raids Targeted Ringleader In Paris Attacks; French Prosecutor Updates on Terror Raids. Aired 1-1:30p ET

Aired November 18, 2015 - 13:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


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WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Hello, I'm Wolf Blitzer. It's 1:00 p.m. here in Washington, 7:00 p.m. in Paris, 8:00 p.m. in Raqqah, Syria. Wherever you're watching from around the world, thanks very much for joining us.

We begin with breaking news. We're waiting for the French prosecutor, Francois Molins, to give a news conference about the Paris terror attacks, the latest raids that occurred earlier today. It's expected to start at any moment now. We'll have live coverage once he walks into that room.

While we await his arrival, a massive operation in a Paris suburb that authorities say was right on time. They say they now believe the suspects were on the verge of carrying out another terrorist attack. Police in Paris swarmed the neighborhood not far from the stadium targeted in Friday's attacks by ISIS. They raided two apartments. Seven people were arrested. Two suspects were killed, including a woman who blew herself up.

Belgian state broadcaster RTBF says that woman was the cousin of Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the suspected ring leader in Friday's attacks. Abaaoud was the target of the raid but it's not clear whether he was at the location. Police say they're now conducting DNA tests to determine to see if he, in fact, was killed.

In other developments, Turkish authorities say they've intercepted eight suspects linked to ISIS. Documents they were carrying indicate they were planning to travel from Turkey to Germany by going through Greece, Serbia and Hungary, posing as refugees. That's the same route, of course, used by 10s of thousands of migrants trying to seek some sort of safety.

Explosions and gunfire rang out in the overnight hours as the raid in France unfolded. The location was the working class suburb of Saint Denis (ph), not far from the stadium targeted in Friday's attacks in Paris.

Senior International Correspondent Atika Shubert was reporting live from the scene as the operation played out.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Oh, an explosion has just gone off. This is still very much an ongoing operation. That was quite a large explosion in that direction. A second one now. Just hold on, no gunfire that we can tell so far. A third explosion. Fourth, that was much larger. Police asking them to move back. There are a number of military soldiers that are now being moved into the front as well.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Our Senior International Correspondent Clarissa Ward is in Saint Denis. Our Chief National Security Correspondent Jim Sciutto is in Paris. Clarissa, you're there at the scene of this raid. What's the latest? What's happening now?

CLARISSA WARD, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, this is a tough neighborhood, by any standards. But residents here say while they're used to hearing drug raids at night, they have never heard anything like this. They told us that it sounded like a war zone. It all started at about 4:30 this morning.

One resident told us he heard gunfire. He heard grenades. And then a couple of hours later, he heard a series of loud explosions. In those explosions, it's believed that that woman blew herself up. We're now hearing from Belgian and French media reports that she may have been the cousin of the alleged mastermind or ringleader of these Friday attacks here in Paris.

Now, we were able to get up on a roof right behind that apartment building, and we could see the scale of the devastation that that explosion made. All the windows had been blown out. We could also see that the walls were pock marked with really heavy munitions from when the police stormed that building. All the glass had been blown out.

And inside that building, we saw lots and lots of forensic experts, Wolf, dressed in white, going through, combing over every last detail, trying to pick up on any information, DNA information, fingerprints. Who was in the room? Who was in that apartment? And was this ringleader Abdelhamid Abaaoud possibly killed? Was he there? Still a lot of questions, Wolf. And we're waiting for more answers.

BLITZER: Hold on, Clarissa. I want to bring Jim Sciutto into this. I know that those phone conversations may have played a role. They discovered some cell phones at the site of the Friday night terror attacks. What's the latest on all of this?

JIM SCIUTTO, CNN CHIEF NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Wolf. This was an urgent raid acting on urgent intelligence gained only in the hours before the raid took place. An intercepted phone call coming from that apartment that alerted police to this apartment and the people hiding there.

[13:05:11] They then put the place under surveillance and a key clue leading to that intercepted phone call, some of those phones collected from the attackers who carried out the rampage across the streets of Paris on Friday. Several phones, including phones that had encrypted communications apps on them, widely available. This has been a long- term concern of U.S. officials, European officials that they would go dark. But in this case, they were able to intervene, intercept a conversation that led them to that apartment there.

And, Wolf, you can't say enough about what essential police work this was that led them to this place in time, just in time French police say, before they believe the people inside this apartment were going to carry out another attack on the streets of Paris.

BLITZER: Clarissa and Jim, I want to play that video, once again, because it is very dramatic and then we'll discuss. Listen to this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE.)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Clarissa, that certainly does sound like a war zone where you are right now. Quiet now but a few hours ago, obviously very, very brutal. The assumption had been that the so-called ringleader, Abaaoud Abdelhamid, was in -- was in Syria with Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi, another ISIS leader. But now, the assumption is he actually may have been in Paris and he actually may have been killed. What's the latest you're hearing, Clarissa? And then I'll ask Jim if he's getting more information.

WARD: That's right, Wolf. What a difference a day makes. Just yesterday, we were hearing that French and coalition authorities had targeted Abaaoud in Syria as recently as a month ago. We knew that he was responsible for trying to carry out a plot in Belgium. That attack was thwarted. But he managed to allude capture. He's been on the run ever since. The impression that authorities had was that he was back inside ISIS territory, inside Syria or Iraq.

But now, we're being led to believe that that may not be the case. There is a big question mark, at the moment. Is he here in Paris? Was he in that apartment? Was he killed in this raid? Still a lot of questions. We don't have answers to them yet but that's why you're seeing those forensic experts. They in that apartment, Wolf. They're going through every last minuscule detail trying to get DNA testing, trying to get a better sense of who was in that room, what they were trying to carry out. And, perhaps, most importantly, Wolf, how far this network expands.

Yesterday, we were talking about an eighth attacker, then it was a ninth attacker. Now, we're talking about seven more people arrested in this apartment, two people killed, two more people injured. So, this is quickly developing into a bigger and bigger network -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Clarissa, stand by. Jim Sciutto, stand by for a moment as well because we're getting more information coming into CNN right now. I want to discuss what's going on. Joining us now is Republican Congressman Peter King. He's a key

member of House Homeland Security Committee and the House Select Committee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence as well.

I know you've been well briefed on what's going on. Now, there are two plots, apparently, in Paris and maybe more on the way. What can you tell us about all the chatter that's underway? Maybe there are more plots still at large in France and maybe here in the United States as well.

REP. PETER KING (R), HOUSE HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE: Well, certainly as far as France, you know, this appears to be far from over. I can't go into detail. But what happened in Paris, this seems to be fairly extensive and, you know, more might be happening. Certainly the French police and the, you know, the military, the intel people are going all out.

And as we saw from the raids this morning, this is far from over. And it appears like one is leading to another. So, that is the concern in France. But also, it's very positive that, you know, these raids are being carried out and that really hard core terrorists are being killed or captured.

As far as the United States, Wolf, I'm still not aware of any significant, specific threats to the U.S. We have to be on our guard. What we don't know, we don't know. But this is not like it was the 4th of July.

BLITZER: Congressman, hold on for a moment because the French prosecutor is briefing reporters now on the latest information on these raids. This is the prosecutor, Francois Molins. Let's listen in.

FRANCOIS MOLINS, FRENCH PROSECUTOR (translator) (live): Is it good for everybody?

[13:10:09] UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE.)

MOLINS: Like on Saturday, with (INAUDIBLE) of the judicial director and my colleague from the police director, since Friday the 13th of November evening, the anti-terrorist police or the brigade on the judicial police of Paris as well as those from the direct general who relentlessly have been carrying out their inquiries to gather the magistrate (ph) of Paris.

I first would like to emphasize the effectiveness and efficiency of all the police services, both the magistrates who were involved in this work. The inquiries which have been taking place since Friday night has made considerable progress as a demonstration of a new team of terrorists that has been neutralized. And if we look at their weapons, their organization, their determination this commander could have acted.

Bringing together this intelligence services, the investigation which made it possible to establish important logistics concerning the vehicles, telephones, arms and conspiracy. A few elements, (INAUDIBLE) elements were considerable. But three coordinated commandos to commit the attacks against bars and restaurants in the 10th and 11th districts of Paris and in the Bataclan Theatre. The investigations have demonstrated that the vehicle (INAUDIBLE) arrived virtually at the same time in the Paris region through Paris -- through Belgium. (INAUDIBLE) interval on the 12th of November, they were all rented in a car rental place by the Abdeslam (ph) brothers. The (INAUDIBLE.)

At this time, investigations show that Polo (ph) was found -- Polo was found during the concert of the Bataclan Theatre. Just before it erupted, the black Fiat (ph) was used by commando of three men attacking the bars and restaurants as well as the GPS of this car and all the videos. Searching the vehicles made it possible to see -- to discover three assault rifles of the type, Kalashnikov (ph) type, which were highlighted. Then discovered five charges as well as three knives and 11 empty chargers. According to the operations, they had arrived on the night of the evening of the attacks. Coming from the (INAUDIBLE) at 21:59 to be precise.

Finally, a guff (ph) was used for a simple road check of the 14th of November at 14:10. Someone by the name of Abdeslam (ph) and Mohammad Emery (ph). I'd like to clarify how this road check in the name of Abdeslam was not involved. This inquiry led me to contact the Belgian authorities and, thus, the Belgian police on the 14th of November in the afternoon were able to contact Atuit (ph) Emery. And they were then arrested, incarcerated through a judicial inquiry. And so, at the time that I am speaking to you, the -- we don't know exactly where they are but it appears they came in the night, following after vehicles.

[13:15:10]

We could look at the logistical elements used by the terrorists. We have the telephones. Large numbers of investigations are being carried out in order to determine the places where the terrorists were preceding their movement to criminal acts.

I can confirm that mobile telephone was discovered in a rubbish bin outside the Bataclan concert hall from which a text message being sent by the member of the commander at 21:42 saying, "we've left. We've started." Clearly, we have to determine who was the person who was -- this message was destined for.

The arms used by the three commandos were a real arsenal of war weapons. I'd like to stay during the press conference the following day, after the attacks, Kalashnikovs and explosives of TATP. Hundreds of calibers were used, found on the crime scene, showing the bursts of gun fire against the victims of the Bataclan. Three rifles were used, as well as hundreds of bullets, as well as detonators next to the three suicide bombers in order to strengthen the effects of the bombers.

This demonstrates a determined action which was confirmed that night with the -- during this night with the assault that took place. But before last point. You know there is several -- one of them was found with the telephone operation talking about two rooms in a hotel in the name of Salah Abdeslam from the 11th to 17th of November. Another one was found following the search involving the -- he was -- it was rented on the 10th to 17th of November. These are still being operated under the name Abdeslam. I'm going to come back to these.

We can say that the logistics and the extent were looked at minutely -- in minute detail by the terrorists. Three points. As you already know, we've been able to identify five of the seven terrorists who were killed during criminal acts on the 13th. Two terrorists have not been identified and clearly investigations are carrying on. We have to determine the exact composition of the three commandos. I find that come -- onto the operations during that night.

The vary numerous investigations have been implemented by the inquiries that led them to a building situation (INAUDIBLE) in Saint- Denis. That building where Abaaoud was able to entrench him on the third floor. In this flat, a test meter (ph) was found about the presence of Abaaoud. His an individual, I'd like to remind you, who was suspected of having conspired in numerous attacks, Morocco and Islamic attacks. This (INAUDIBLE) of the seven -- 16th of November, the day taken as a serious precaution of a risk of manipulation, (INAUDIBLE) with numerous various that took place particular (ph) telephone and banking.

The assault then was launched at 4:20 a.m. with the men of the raid, those men I'd like to emphasize showed professionalism and denial (ph), I'd like to say, in four days these attacks -- these assaults had taken place, five police officers were wounded. This was an extremely difficult assault operation with resistance, first of all, to the explosive charge, which is -- this made it possible. A shootout then carried on virtually uninterrupted for almost an hour.

[13:20:04] The operation was extremely difficult given several factors, the complex character of the operation, which required assault weapons, offensive grenades, the fact that at least one terrorist just killed himself, exploded himself, and the fact which it was on the third floor, and the state of the doors debris which made it very difficult with forensic police. Three individuals, including one who was wounded with a bullet in the arm, were arrested. Their identities are still being verified.

I therefore cannot give you any further element. An explosion then resound, thus this was found in the building but it was not possible to identify anyone at this stage. The first elements of the inquiring intervention of the police led us to think that the explosion was consecutive to a woman who had set off her explosive belt. This -- that belt is going to have to be checked by the debris of the bodies and also by all the technical police.

And this, as I said a few moments ago, is extremely delicate and difficult working in this building. I'm not in a position, therefore, to give you precise definite answers and identities of the people who died. And there are at least two people who died. We needed a little bit more time than planned because the buildings threatened to collapse in some parts and so the inquiries need -- the inquiries need to work in all security. There were two men who were wounded near the flat. These two

individuals were immediately put in police custody. Other operations that I said were taken out in (INAUDIBLE) in Saint-Denis (INAUDIBLE) contacts with the commander and (INAUDIBLE). This flat was -- there was a suspect who was questioned and there were -- it was a man and also a woman alongside him. I'd like to emphasize that this raid in this flat led to the -- did not lead to the discovery of any explosives.

Another person was wounded on the public way was questioned and put into police custody. In total, eight. There are eight detentions in police, seven men and one woman. They are not formally bound. Abaaoud and Salah Abdeslam did not get into police custody. So investigations are carrying out to identify the killed terrorists. Those who are in police custody. But also all those who are likely to be involved in some way or another with this attack. Whether it was in the French territory or in Syria, these investigations are also to determine the conditions according to which the -- this could have been claimed at several -- on several occasions. And what was the role of the two brothers who were able to claim these acts in the -- claim took place after this attack.

This is a tragedy for the victims whose I'd like to pay respects to the victims and also to all those who are close to them and emobilization (ph) of the victims and all those who are close to them.

Thank you.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: So there's the update from the French prosecutor, Francois Molins, telling us, going back to the beginning Friday night, November 13th, when the initial terror attacks occurred, updating us now on what happened overnight, this separate raids that have been going on in this Paris suburb of Saint-Denis. Individuals arrested and individuals killed. Some law enforcement personnel wounded in the process as well.

Bottom line, the ringleader, the alleged ringleader, Abdelhamid Abaaoud, apparently still very much at large, as well as the Salah Abdeslam, who was also involved in the original terror attacks.

[13:25:00] Jim Sciutto was listening very carefully to what the prosecutor had to say.

Jim, let's review some of the new information he did provide, including the fact that they did find a cell phone in the -- in a garbage can near there that helped them take the steps leading to this dramatic overnight raid.

JIM SCIUTTO, CNN CHIEF NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: That's exactly right. In fact, a story first reported by our Evan Perez yesterday that phones found near the dead bodies of those terrorists from Friday's attacks gave them a clue. And I was told earlier today by French security sources that intercepted communications coming from that apartment in Saint-Denis, where these raids took place, are what helped lead them there. And, remember, they had this place under surveillance from just yesterday. So urgent use of intelligence, led them to this apartment, and a very urgent raid there that they say prevented an attack.

Some other details that he just announced now. He says that there were three -- there are now three terror suspects in custody. They are working to I.D. them. Crucially, the French prosecutor there saying now that Abaaoud, the alleged mastermind, ringleader, and Abdeslam, who is the alleged eighth attacker from Friday, are not among those in custody. We know that when they went into this apartment, they believed that Abdelhamid Abaaoud might be inside that apartment. But the French prosecutors saying at least from what they know now, they do not have it confirmed that he is in custody.

So, in addition to that, you also just get a sense, describing there, the enormous resources that went into this raid. He said 5,000, Wolf, bullets fired by French police in the course of it. And as you played just before the press conference that video from the attack itself, it sounded like a battle in war. And we know that they had the weapons of war, including the weapons used in that attack on Friday, Kalashnikov automatic rifles, thousands of bullets, hundreds used in the attack, thousands used by the police, as well as explosive vests. This is truly a front line in this war. And French officials, the French president, have described it as a war, and we got a taste of that from some of the details from the French prosecutor.

BLITZER: And they're making it clear that there may be more plots underway right now inside of France.

Jim Sciutto, stand by for a moment.

Our senior international correspondent Nick Paton Walsh is joining us now live. He's inside.

Nick, I don't know if you heard what the prosecutor had to say, but I know you've done a lot of work reporting on this alleged ringleader, Abdelhamid Abaaoud. The suspicion was that he was in Syria some place with the leader of ISIS apparently, Abu Bakr al Baghdadi. Now some indications maybe he's still in France. I don't know what you're hearing over there, but you're on the scene for us. Give us the latest information you're getting.

NIC PATON WALSH, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, there is, obviously, a little information that you can pick up inside of Syria about the whereabouts of Abdelhamid Abaaoud, but I can run you through what was known about his past here.

He was thought back in 2014 to have, at that stage, joined ISIS here. May have traveled to the region earlier. And then there have been a number of notable appearances of him in the jihadist media here. One troubling one which involved him dragging corpses behind a pickup truck. He's thought to have lived at some point, according to some media reports, at a fairly lavish villa in Aleppo with other French speaking jihadists. In fact, he developed the name Abu Omar Albajiki (ph) when he was a resident here inside of Syria.

Exactly when he went to Europe or his whereabouts this year are unclear. He was said to have returned to Syria and loudly flaunted that in about February in an issue of the ISIS magazine Dubique (ph). But there was suggestions that perhaps he may have been killed in an air strike in October because his family ceased to hear from him. They had perhaps suggested he may have been killed by that. But, obviously, that was not the case.

And I think the most chilling element of this, Wolf, is that where I am standing, there are, you know, hundreds in this country of jihadists from Europe who I think many have felt were forced to stay here to some degree because it was so hard to travel back, particularly one this high profile as Abu. A very high profile character indeed. The fact that he was secretly able to return to Europe, and we don't know his fate right now, the fact he was able to do that and not be caught must be deeply chilling for western intelligence services.

But where we are in this country now, the military reprisal already underway has been now for two nights against the self-declared caliphate capital of Raqqa. Five air strikes we're hearing of more recently. That adds to eight the night before, 20 the night before that.

[13:29:52] We're hearing that ISIS militants inside that city are clamping down on the use of the Internet, deeply concerned, I'm sure, that maybe individuals inside that city are able to provide accurate, real time information to coalition and French and also Russian potentially war planes and munitions in the sky there.