Possible Second Terror Plot Stopped Just Hours After 13 Killed In Barcelona Van Attack
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BARCELONA, SPAIN (CBSMiami) – Just hours after a van plowed into a crowded hotspot in Barcelona, Spanish police announced they killed several people while carrying out an operation in response to the terror attack.
The regional police for the Catalonia region said on Twitter early Friday that officers were in Cambrils, a seaside resort town 62 miles from Barcelona. According to BBC News, police said they stopped a second attempted attack.
Spain's public broadcaster, RTVE, is reporting that regional police troopers have killed five people.
The broadcaster said police suspected they were planning an attack in Cambrils just hours after the van attack.
According to CBS News, a total of 13 people were killed and at least 100 others injured when the van crashed into them in the popular Las Ramblas area of the city near Catalonia Square around 5 p.m. (local time), making its way through about seven blocks.
Videos posted on social media show at least people laying on the ground, not moving, as others ran around them presumably trying to take cover.
According to Catalonia's regional president, Carles Puigdemont, two suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack. Police say one suspect is a Spanish national from Melilla and the other is Moroccan. Neither of the suspects drove the van. Police said the driver is still on the run.
In another incident, police said a driver hit two officer in Barcelona but it is unclear if that is related to the earlier incident, according to the Associated Press.
Earlier, authorities shutdown the metro and train stations in the area.
Someone nearby took to social media to show the scene in which you can apparently see people on the ground following the crash.
Ahora en Las Ramblas de Barcelona . Camión atropella a varias personas. pic.twitter.com/Vgm9gE9ekJ
— GANAR 05 Silvia ???????? (@SILVIPIRATA) August 17, 2017
Authorities asked anyone who was in Las Ramblas to let their family know they are okay through social media to avoid a collapse of the phone lines.
#Barcelona#Rambles If you are ok, please Inform your family using social networks to avoid the collapse of phone lines
— EmergènciesCatalunya (@emergenciescat) August 17, 2017
Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy Brey said he is maintaining contact with authorities and their first priority is to attend to the injured.
Earlier, a social media user took video of what looks like police searching the area.
La policía detrás de los autores del atentado. #ULTIMAHORA#Barcelona#Boqueriapic.twitter.com/SG3Eb0OsjO
— Kitana (@EskrotaRota) August 17, 2017
U.S. President Donald Trump has commented on the attack through Twitter saying, "The United States condemns the terror attack in Barcelona, Spain, and will do whatever is necessary to help. Be tough & strong, we love you!"
First lady Melania Trump has reacted to the attack saying on Twitter, "Thoughts and prayers for Barcelona."
Hospitals in Barcelona are asking for blood donations due to the emergency situation.
Barcelona will be in mourning for 3 days following the deadly attack. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower will go dark in tribute to the victims. In the U.S., the One World Trade Center will be lit in the colors of the Spanish flag.
Pictures showing a black ribbon have been shared on social media to show support for the victims of Thursday's attack.
