Prensa. voanews.com
Islamic State is claiming responsibility for Thursday's terrorist attack
in Barcelona, Spain, where a driver sped a van along a crowded sidewalk,
killing at least 12 people and injuring 80. Police have two people in custody
but have given no details, including whether either suspect was the driver.
Spain's El Pais newspaper has reported that the driver fled the scene. Also,
a car ran down two policemen at a Barcelona checkpoint, but it is unclear if
there is any connection to the earlier attack. Information on Thursday's
incident in Spain is still developing.
But what is known is that witnesses say the driver deliberately jumped a
pedestrian area that runs down the center of Las Ramblas, a Barcelona street
with shops and cafes, popular with locals and tourists. They say the van was traveling at high speed and swerved from side to
side, leaving a trail of blood and bodies with twisted, broken legs. Some
witness say they saw two armed men jump out and disappear into a restaurant.
Police arrived almost instantly and immediately shut down the area. Spanish
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said on Twitter he has been in contact with local
authorities and the government's priority is helping the wounded.U.S. President
Donald Trump turned to Twitter, saying the U.S. "will do whatever is
necessary to help."
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned, "Terrorists around
the world should know, the United States and our allies are resolved to find
you and bring you to justice." European leaders, including British Prime
Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron, are also condemning
the attack.
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