By Cox Media Group National Content Desk
PARIS — A French official identified the suspected mastermind of the Paris terror attacks as Abdelhamid Abaaoud of Belgium, The Associated Press reported early Monday.
<< READ MORE: France says Belgian masterminded attacks >>
Here's what we know so far:
1. Abaaoud apparently has been linked to other attempted attacks on a church near Paris and a high-speed train, the official said. Those plots were thwarted, according to the AP.
"He appears to be the brains behind several planned attacks in Europe," an unnamed source told Reuters.
2. The 27-year-old is reportedly from Molenbeek near Brussels. Reuters, citing French radio station RTL, said other suspected attackers were from the same area. The BBC said the neighborhood is known as "a haven for jihadists."
3. He is believed to be in Syria now, according to Reuters.
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