A suspect linked to the Islamic State group that helped carry out a series of deadly attacks in Paris in 2015 says the resulting deaths of 130 people were “nothing personal”.
“We fought against France, we attacked France, we aimed at the civilian population. It was nothing personal against them, “Salah Abdeslam said on Wednesday, according to The Associated Press. “I know my statement may be shocking, but it’s not about deepening the knife into the wound, but being honest with those who suffer immeasurable pain.”
Abdeslam is believed to be the last survivor left among members of the Islamic State who carried out suicide shootings and attacks in Paris on November 13, 2015. Members violently attacked several places in Paris, including the France stadium, restaurants and a concert. room, Reuters reported.
The 2015 attacks are considered the deadliest event in France since World War II, the AP noted.
In connection with the attacks, Abdeslam appeared to help transport three members who later carried out a suicide attack on the national football stadium, the AP noted. According to The Guardian, he is believed to have also attempted to carry out a suicide attack that was never carried out.
After the violence, he was suspected of calling people in Belgium to pick him up while hiding south of Paris.
Abdeslam said the attacks were carried out in response to airstrikes carried out by France on Iraq and Syria at the time.
“François Hollande knew the risks of attacking the Islamic State in Syria,” Abdeslam said, referring to strikes in Syria authorized by the former French president, according to The Guardian. He further alleged that the former president knew that people would die as a result of this authorization.
Abdeslam, formerly described as a “fighter for the Islamic State,” argued that “my goal is not to hurt anyone” and said that “this is genuine Islam.”