French policemen block roads near the area of an anti-terrorist police assault in the northern Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, France, on Nov. 18, 2015. (Xinhua/Ying Qiang)

An anti-terrorist police assault is ongoing in northern Paris suburb of Saint-Denis for hunting the ninth suspect of Paris attacks, BFMTV reported early Wednesday morning.

The operation targets Abdelhamid Abaaoud, a Moroccan-origin Belgian jihadist believed to be the mastermind of Friday night's attacks, according to the report.

So far three suspects have been arrested and some police officers have been injured in the operation, it said.

A passerby was killed during fire exchanges, BFMTV reported.

Witnesses told BFMTV they have been hearing "explosions" and "gunshots" since 4:30 am local time (0330 GMT). Gunshots could also be clearly heard from the Xinhua office in Paris.

Gunshots and explosions were heard again around 7:28 am local time (0628 GMT), according to a Xinhua journalist on the site.

The operation was taking place in the "very center" of the city, Saint-Denis Mayor Didier Paillard told BFMTV, noting that residents are advised to stay at home.

Public transport was suspended in the operation zone. Police also suggested people working in the area not go to work.

Another key suspect, Salah Abdeslam, who might be one of the shooters last Friday night that killed innocent people in terraces of cafes and restaurants, is still at large.

Simultaneous shootings, one of which turned into a hostage taking, and explosions at restaurants, the Bataclan concert hall and the national stadium in Paris on Friday night killed at least 132 people and injured hundreds of others.

Related

• Suspects arrested in Germany over Paris attacks released
• Belgian-born Abaaoud named as Paris attacks mastermind: reports

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