French officials investigating if Paris attacks architect was killed in morning raid

The so-called "mastermind" behind the Paris attacks, Abdelhamid Abaaoud, 27, was the target of an early morning raid in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, although authorities have not yet been able to confirm if he was killed, The New York Times reports. At least two people were killed in the showdown with police: a female cousin of Abaaoud's who detonated an explosive vest, and another unidentified person. There could still be other bodies; the building risked collapse and the investigation is ongoing.

Authorities reported finding "a total war arsenal" in the apartment. Neither Abaaoud nor suspected Paris terrorist Salah Abdeslam, who is still at large, were among the eight people arrested at the site.

A Belgian whose own family members say they want him dead, Abaaoud had been living in Syria fighting for ISIS, but is thought to have made trips to and from Europe while eluding authorities. As late as Tuesday, U.S. and French officials believed he was still in Syria.

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Abaaoud's family said they received word in October that Abaaoud had been killed in fighting, although counterterrorism officials believe he faked his death so he could travel to Europe more easily.