There has been world-wide condemnation following a heinous violent attack against civilians in Barcelona's iconic Las Ramblas district yesterday (Thursday, 17 August), which left more than a dozen dead, and many more injured. In the incident, a rented van sped down Las Ramblas in the centre of the city, mowing down people. Witnesses said the van deliberately targeted people, weaving from side to side as it drove down the boulevard.
The criminal group, "Islamic State" claimed responsability for the attack.
Spanish police say that shortly after another incident happened in the nearby town of Cambris.where seven people, including a police officer, were wounded when a car was driven into them early on Friday. One person is in a critical condition.
Spanish media reported that the attackers' vehicle overturned and when the men got out they were quickly fired upon by police. A series of controlled explosions was then carried out.
There has been widespread and world-wide condemnation of the attacks.
European Union leaders extended solidarity to the people and government of Spain, and to the friends and relatives of those killed or injured.
Among the messages of solidarity were messages sent by the leaders of the three South Caucasus republics.
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili tweeted: "We strongly condemn the heinous attack in #Barcelona. Our thoughts are with those affected. Terrorism will not prevail.", whilst President Giorgi Margvelashvili tweeted: "deeply outraged over the deadly terrorist attack in #barcelonaGeorgia stands with the Spanish people and its government in solidarity."
Azerbaijan expressed its condemnation of the attack in a message from President Ilham Aliyev to King Fellipe of Spain.
source; commonspace.eu with agencies
photo: Following the criminal attack in Barcelona Spanish Police investigate a car involved in a second incident in the town of Cambris (picture courtesy of BBC)
