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war2016

2016 Nice attack — islamist terrorist attack in France on 14 July 2016

July 14, 2016

The deadliest terrorist attack in France since the November 2015 Paris attacks, killing 86 people and prompting an extension of the state of emergency.

Quick Facts

Year
2016
Category
war

Key Facts

Deaths
86 people
Injured
458 people
Vehicle used
19-tonne cargo truck
Suspects in custody by 1 Aug
6 people
State of emergency extended until
26 January 2017
National mourning declared
3 days from 16 July 2016

By the Numbers

86people
Deaths
458people
Injured
19
Vehicle used
6people
Suspects in custody by 1 Aug

Location

Map of Nice, FranceMap of Nice, FranceNice, France

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, a Tunisian national residing in France, planned the attack over several months, aided by accomplices. The Islamic State claimed he acted in response to its calls to target citizens of nations in the coalition fighting ISIL, situating the attack within the broader context of Islamist-motivated violence in Europe.

Event

On the evening of 14 July 2016, Lahouaiej-Bouhlel deliberately drove a 19-tonne cargo truck into crowds celebrating Bastille Day on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, killing 86 people and injuring 458 others. The attack ended when police shot and killed the driver after an exchange of gunfire.

Consequence

French President François Hollande declared the event an act of Islamic terrorism, extended the state of emergency for three months (later until 26 January 2017), and ordered intensified airstrikes against ISIL in Syria and Iraq. Three days of national mourning were declared, thousands of additional security personnel were deployed, and nine suspects were ultimately charged in connection with the attack.

Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis

Side A

1 belligerent

Islamic State (ISIL)
Estimated Casualties1
Key Commanders

Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel.

Side B

1 belligerent

France / Civilian population of Nice
Estimated Casualties86
Key Commanders

François Hollande.

Total Casualties (all sides)
87
Outcome
Attacker killed by police; 86 civilians dead, 458 injured; France extended state of emergency and intensified military operations against ISIL.

Timeline Context

Timeline around 201620162013201420152017201820192016 Summer Olympics — Games of the XXXI Olympiad, in Rio de Janeiro, BrazilUEFA Euro 2016 — 15th European association football championshipEurovision Song Contest 2016 — 61st Eurovision Song ContestCopa América Centenario — 2016 edition of the Copa América association football competition2016 Formula One World Championship — 67th season of Formula One motor racingJanuary 2016 — month of 2016Football at the 2016 Summer Olympics — association football played during the 2016 Olympic Summer GamesSwimming at the 2016 Summer Olympics — Swimming on summer Olympic games 20162016-nice-attack-islamist-terrorist-attack-in-france-on-14-2016