The Islamic State terrorist group, IS has claimed responsibility for a deadly van-ramming attack in one of Barcelona’s busiest tourist areas. At least 13 people were killed and 100 injured after a suspect ploughed a white van into a crowd on Thursday evening in the bustling Las Ramblas area, a one-point-two-kilometer stretch of shops and restaurants usually heaving with tourists.
Catalan police chief Joseph Luis Trapero said two men have been arrested in connection to the attack, a Moroccan and a Spanish national from the North African Spanish enclave of Melilla. He however said a third man believed to have been the driver of the van, is still on the run.
Islamic State ‘s Amaq news outlet said on its Telegram messenger account that the group had launched the attack in response to calls to target states taking part in the United States-led coalition battling the group in Iraq and Syria.
Meanwhile, World leaders have described the attack as “Revolting”, “cowardly”, and “barbaric”. There were at least 18 nationalities among the victims who came from countries as varied as France, Venezuela, Australia, Ireland, Peru, Algeria, Belgium and China, according to Spain’s civil protection agency.
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