At least 13 killed as van mows down crowds in Spanish city Condolences pour in; KSA leads global condemnation
RIYADH/BARCELONA: Saudi Arabia on Thursday joined the international chorus of condemnation of the deadly terrorist attack, claimed by Daesh, in the Spanish city of Barcelona.
A van plowed into crowds in the city and a regional official said 13 people were killed.
A source at the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement: “The Kingdom offers its sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and to the Spanish government.”
He reiterated the Kingdom’s stance against all forms of terrorism and extremism and stressed Saudi Arabia’s solidarity with Spain, calling on the international community to strengthen efforts to eradicate the epidemic of terror.
Police said they arrested a man linked to the attack in the heart of the city, but did not identify him or describe his role. Earlier police were searching for the van’s driver who, according to local media, fled the scene on foot.
US President Donald Trump said on Twitter: “The United States condemns the terror attack in Barcelona, Spain, and will do whatever is necessary to help.” He added: “Be tough & strong, we love you!”
Other world leaders followed Trump in supporting Spain following the attack.
The UK “stands with Spain against terror,” Prime Minister Theresa May said.
Moscow said there is no excuse for such evil in this world.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman tweeted: “We are thinking with profound sadness of the victims of the revolting attack in Barcelona — with solidarity and friendship alongside the Spanish people.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, whose nation has suffered some of Europe’s deadliest militant attacks in recent years, tweeted: “All my thoughts and France’s solidarity to the victims of the tragic attack in Barcelona.”
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg tweeted: “My thoughts are with all those affected. We stand united in the fight against terrorism.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “My thoughts are with the victims of this barbaric terrorist attack in the great city of Barcelona and with their brave emergency services.”
Witnesses said the van zigzagged down one of Barcelona’s busiest tourist avenues, Las Ramblas, mowing down pedestrians and leaving bodies strewn across the ground.
A government official in the region of Catalonia, which includes Barcelona, said on Twitter that at least 50 people were injured.
Eyewitness Tom Gueller told the BBC: “I heard screams and a bit of a crash and then I just saw the crowd parting and this van going full pelt down the middle of the Ramblas and I immediately knew that it was a terrorist attack or something like that.”
Daesh took the responsibility for the attack on the extremist group’s news agency Amaq.