Barcelona is ISIS's latest victim in terror attack

13 Killed, 120 Injured

The Plaza de Cataluña, a popular pedestrian mall in Barcelona, Spain, was filled with people enjoying their day but was cut short as a speeding van plowed into them on Aug.17 around 5 p.m. There were a total of 13 people killed and 120 injured due to this unforeseen event. This is the sixth time in the past few years where a vehicle was used as a weapon against people in Europe. The Islamic State propaganda news site “Amaq Outlet” lists the attackers as being “soldiers of the Islamic State.”

Spanish officers immediately sealed off the Plaza de Cataluña in the central promenade of Las Ramblas following the incident. The suspects at large were being sought after without delay after the attack. As reported by the New York Times a total of three people were arrested and one of those individuals included a Moroccan man whose identity was used for renting the van that plowed into the crowd. Out of all of the arrests, the actual driver was not caught as he was able to flee on foot and remains at large.

In a news conference, senior police officer Josep Lluis Trapero detailed a possible connection to another event. ftere was a gas explosion in a home in Alcanar located South of Barcelona. Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP) was found on site, and this chemical was previously used by ISIS, as reported by the New York Times.

This attack is another in a rising trend of terror attacks within Europe. Many people around the continent have expressed fear and resentment regarding their safety. The people of Spain specifically fear that similar attacks could become a regular occurance. As the nation is near Northern Africa, there are some fears that ISIS insurgents could
enter the country with relative ease.

On Aug. 26, a march was scheduled to take place in Plaza de Cataluña. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has called for Spaniards to march in solidarity in remembrance of the
victims and march in defiance against terrorism.