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At least 12 dead after a van hits pedestrians in a suspected terror attack in Barcelona

World leaders have offered solidarity following the brutal attack on La Rambla, the city's main strip

August 17, 2017
The attack on Barcelona's La Rambla has been claimed by Islamic State. Photo: PA
The attack on Barcelona's La Rambla has been claimed by Islamic State. Photo: PA

At least 12 people have died with over 50 injured in a suspected terrorist attack in Barcelona.

Police were called to La Rambla, the city’s main tourist strip, after a van was driven into crowds of people.

According to Reuters, the van zigzagged down the street with witnesses saying it drove “full pelt” into pedestrians on the busy strip.

Local police said on Twitter that they had arrested one man in connection to attack. A photo of the man who reportedly rented the van used in the attack, Driss Oukabir, has also been circulated by the Spanish authorities.

Reports suggest that Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack via its news industry, Amaq.

The assault is the latest in a series of global terror attacks which have used cars and vans, including two attacks linked to Islamic extremism earlier this year which took place separately on London’s Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, and most recently last weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, where a right-wing attacker is reported to have driven at protesters opposing an “alt-right” rally.

This low-tech method presents a challenge to anti-terror and law enforcement agencies, as it is relatively easy to access a rental vehicle compared to obtaining firearms or bomb-making materials.

Initial reports of a man taking diners hostage in a Turkish restaurant on La Ramba were later denied by Spain’s minister for the interior.

Theresa May has said in response to today’s attack that “the UK stands with Spain.” President Donald Trump followed up his condolences with a reference to a likely fictional story in which General John Pershing coated bullets in pigs’ blood before shooting Muslim terror suspects. (This is the second time Trump has made a reference to the story, which historians say there is little evidence to support.)

President Donald Trump followed up his condolences and offer of support with a bizarre reference to a likely fictional story, in which an American General, John Pershing, coated bullets in pigs’ blood before shooting Muslim terror suspects. (This is the second time Trump has made a reference to the story, which historians say there is little evidence to support.)

Other global leaders to share their condolences include Emmanuel Macron, who tweeted that “we remain united and determined,” before adding “solidarity with Barcelona” in Spanish.

https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/898247731642159104

Those concerned about their loved ones are asked to ring a special number for information: +34 900400012

Now read Julian Baggini on why it is ordinary human compassion which must triumph in the face of terror.