Paris deadly attacks widely condemned across Middle East, world

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Saturday condemned the terror attacks in Paris a day earlier, saying the French are suffering the same terror as the Syrians have been, according to the pan-Arab al-Mayadeen TV.

"What France suffered from savage terror is what the Syrian people have been enduring for five years," Assad reportedly said during his meeting on Saturday with a visiting delegation of French lawmakers, according to al-Mayadeen.

About six shootings and at least two explosions rocked Paris late Friday at some of the capital's most popular venues known for vibrant atmosphere during the weekend.

Local media said the death toll has risen to 128, with 250 people wounded, 99 in critical situation.

The ferocious attacks have been widely condemned across the world.

U.S. President Barack Obama called the attacks "an outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians," saying the United States stood ready to assist the French government.

British Prime Minister David Cameron on Friday said he was "deeply shocked" by the deadly attacks in Paris, offering "thoughts and prayers" to the French people.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday expressed the "strongest" condemnation of the Paris terror attacks.

"At the sorrowful moment of the French people, I, on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, and personally, condemn in the strongest terms the barbaric acts," Xi said in a message of condolence to Hollande.

Leaders across the Middle East region, including those of Iran, Iraq, Jordan and the UAE, have also sent their condolences.

France has been the target of terrorist attacks following its military offensive in Mali, Iraq and Syria. Its security system has been put at the highest level since the Charlie Hebdo series of attacks in January 2015. Endit