Spain: Barcelona attackers had 120 gas canisters, planned more vehicle-attacks
Proceeding with the investigation on the deadly vehicle attack in Barcelona last week, Spanish police has now discovered that a terrorist cell had stocked 120 gas canisters to be used in similar attacks. These were discovered at a house at Alcanar, located close to Barcelona. According to Catalan Police, the cell consists of 12 members who had been planning attacks for about six months.
Series of attacks around Barcelona
Wednesday: An explosion occurred in a house which was used to stock gas cylinders in Alcanar, 200-km away from Barcelona. Thursday: A van drove into the crowd at Barcelona's La Ramblas area, killing 13 and injuring many others. Soon after, A van charged at police officers at Las Ramblas in the outskirts of Barcelona. Friday: A vehicle attack in Cambrils, South Barcelona killing one woman.
Who are the suspects?
Five suspects including teenagers, Moussa Oukabir and Said Aallaa were shot dead, While Moussa's brother, Sahaal el-Karib directly approached the police saying his identity was stolen, Sahal el-Karib, Mohammed Aallaa were also arrested. Amaq, the IS news agency further reported that the attack was carried out by 'Islamic State soldiers', although it is not clear whether they were merely inspired by IS ideology.
Alcanar explosion: Where is the investigation at?
According to Josep Lluis Trapero, Catalan police chief, four out of the 12-member cell have been arrested. Remains of two people who died in the explosion are yet to be identified. They further confirmed that they are hunting for Younes Abouyaaqoub, a 22-year old Moroccan national. The police are also considering the possibility that the main suspect has crossed the French border.
Vehicle attacks: Growing increasingly popular with terrorists
Vehicles have emerged as a popular choice among terrorists, as seen in over five attacks that have occurred in Europe in 2017. Moreover, it incurs far lesser costs compared to imparting battle training to an attacker. To put things in perspective, a vehicle attack targeting civilians can come from anywhere, at anytime and there are limits to what we can do to avoid it.
