Friday the 13th- A Day of Terror

Mariam Tahir, News Editor

We’ve all heard of the infamous Friday the 13th, an unlucky day based on superstition. Unfortunately, these superstitions became a reality as the horrors of the Paris attacks, bombings in Lebanon and Iraq, earthquakes in Japan and Mexico, and the Mali hotel attack unfolded on November 13 this year. More than 200 people died in these tragic events, injuring and displacing many more.

 

Paris, France

On Friday, Parisians came out to enjoy their night in The City of Light. People went out to the State De France stadium to watch France play against Germany in a soccer match. Two explosions echoed in stadium, shocking crowds. Five minutes later gunmen attacked a series of restaurants, killing twenty and injuring more than twenty four. Another attack occurred at a concert venue, where the 1,500 seat hall was completely sold out. This was the deadliest attack, killing eighty-nine people and leaving more than ninety-nine injured.

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http://www.billboard.com/files/styles/promo_650/public/media/paris-attack-nov-13-2015-billboard-650-02.jpg

Beirut, Lebanon

However, Parisians unfortunately were not the only victims. On Thursday, a mosque in Beirut, Lebanon was attacked by two suicide bombers. ISIS, an extremist military group took full responsibility for the bombing in the city that is known as “The Paris of the Middle-East.” Forty-one people were killed. Lebanon announced a day of national mourning on Friday due to this and the other widespread horrors around the world.

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http://static01.nyt.com/images/2015/11/16/world/16Lebanon-web1/16Lebanon-web1-articleLarge.jpg

Baghdad, Iraq

In Baghdad, Iraq, another 26 people died of a terrorist attack at a funeral that was being held for a soldier who had fought against ISIS. Also, a roadside bomb was detonated at a Shia shrine killing fifteen and injuring forty-six. Again ISIS took full responsibility, and also shared that they were mainly targeting Shia Muslims.

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http://www.cp24.com/polopoly_fs/1.2657102.1447432604!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_620/image.jpg

Japan

Japan also suffered a 6.7 magnitude earthquake. This occurred only two days after the anniversary of a 9.0 magnitude earthquake that killed over fifteen thousand people in 2011. Japan is located on the border of three tectonic plates which makes it very prone to earthquakes. 230,000 people were displaced, however there is no current information on the death toll.

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https://i.ytimg.com/vi/A8gJd6ZmnPs/maxresdefault.jpg

Mexico

Another earthquake rattled people on the other side of the globe. In Mexico, an earthquake measuring 5.5 shook the capital. Although the quake was strongly felt, no damage was reported.

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http://www.as-coa.org/sites/default/files/styles/watch_and_listen_listing/public/Mexico-City-Skyline_0.jpg?itok=GJCIVbAq

Mali

A Mali hotel was also brutally attacked, killing twenty-two people. On Friday morning while people were gathered for breakfast at a Radisson hotel, two attackers opened fire. The attackers also took in hostages. “They shot at anything that moved,” a scared resident said. By the time that security forces arrived, the attackers were already dead. It is unclear on whether they committed suicide or they were shot down.

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http://thefastmail.com/upload/news/cover_pic/1439076744_mali.jpg

 

Even with all of the tragic events that have unfolded, it is still inspiring to see the world come together in these trying times. November 13th, 2015 will be remembered as a day of horrific events that brought the world together as well as tore it apart. Let there be peace in Paris, Lebanon, Iraq, Mexico, Japan, and Mali.