Description On November 13, 2015, Paris experienced a series of coordinated Islamist terrorist attacks. These attacks took place over three separate areas of the city and were carried out by multiple teams of attackers. Almost four hours after they began the events ended with a dramatic and successful hostage rescue that will be the topic for today’s discussion. This episode of the debrief will have a slightly different format. My guest today is an active member of France’s elite Brigade for Research and Intervention or BRI. Because of the nature of his current assignment and the nature of their work, it is critical that we maintain his anonymity. As a result, we will not be showing this episode on video or using our guest’s real name.
Timestamps 2:00 – Policing in France – Structure and agencies 5:15 – Origins, History, and Mission of BRI 11:15 – Overview of the November 13 attacks on Paris 12:52 – Location 1 - Stadt D’ France suicide bombers 16:30 – Location 2 – Café and bar attacks in 10th arrondissement 19:30 – BRI activation and staging 22:35 – Location 3 – Bataclan theater attack begins 27:45 – Street police arrival and entry 31:30 – BRI arrival on scene and initial entry 39:50 – First engagement with terrorists 46:09 – Negotiations 50:00 – Description of the HRT area 52:30 – Assault 1:05:00 – Clearing remainder of corridor 1:09:00 – Effects of the event on team 1:21:30 – Lessons learned from the Bataclan HRT