Van ploughs into crowd in central Barcelona

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA

More than a dozen people were killed Thursday and scores of others injured when a white van ploughed into a crowd in central Barcelona, Catalonia's interior minister said.

"We can confirm 13 dead and more than 50 injured,” Joaquim Forn said at a televised news conference.

The El Pais newspaper said Daesh has claimed responsibility for the attack through its media outlet called AMAQ.

Earlier, the paper cited police sources who confirmed the crash was a terrorist attack.

The newspaper said a suspect has been identified as Driss Oukabir, who according to his profile on social media, is originally from Marseille, France, and resides in Ripoll, Spain. He allegedly rented the van.

Another newspaper, El Mundo, quoted police sources who said two people, including Oukabir had been arrested.

Radio Television Espanola said on Twitter that police were trying to negotiate with two suspects holed up in a bar in Barcelona.

In a series of tweets on its official account, police asked people not to travel through areas around Las Ramblas street and Plaza Catalunya.

“Out of respect to the victims and their families, please, do not share images of injured in a trampling of #Ramblas of Barcelona,” it said.

Las Ramblas is a street in central Barcelona popular with tourists and locals and was crowded with pedestrians at the time of the attack.

In a written statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry denounced the attack.

"We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack perpetrated in Barcelona today," it said.

"We extend our deepest condolences and wish fortitude to the families of those who lost their lives and speedy recovery to those wounded in these heinous attacks which display once again the brutal face of terrorism and target all humanity.

"We reiterate our resolve to maintain our solidarity with Spain, which is a friend and an ally of Turkey, and to provide all kinds of support to this end."

Other nations closed rank and offered support for Spain.

U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the attack on Twitter and vowed the U.S. "will do whatever is necessary to help".

"Be tough & strong, we love you!" he wrote.

Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni also expressed solidarity with the victims.

"Beautiful and friendly Barcelona is under attack. Italy close to local and Spanish authorities. Thoughts addressed to people affected," he tweeted.

Moscow said the world needs to untie to defeat terrorism.

“We resolutely denounce this cruel and cynical crime against civilians. This attack shows once again the need to pool the efforts of the entire international community in the uncompromising fight against the forces of terror,” the Kremlin condemned the attack in a statement.

British Prime Minister Theresa May also among the ones showing solidarity with Spain.

“I am sickened by the senseless loss of life in Barcelona today. Following the attacks in Manchester and London, Spain stood alongside the British people. Tonight, Britain stands with Spain against the evil of terrorism.”

*Michael Hernandez contributed from Washington