Spanish Easter Jihad

Thu, Apr 8, 2004 at 6:07:27 pm PDT

Officials: Madrid Terrorists Planned More. (Hat tip: zulubaby.)

MADRID, Spain - The suspected terrorists who died in last weekend’s suicide blast had planned another major attack in Madrid, possibly during this week’s Easter celebrations, a court official said Wednesday.

Police also fear Saturday’s explosion that may have killed seven suspects and the subsequent arrests of other suspects could stir another cell of militants to mount a ‘jihad,’ or holy war, in Spain, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. ...

The March 11 attacks on four commuter trains left 191 people dead and more than 1,800 injured.

In the suicide blast Saturday, the court official said, explosives and other evidence found in the apartment indicated the suspects planned an imminent follow-up to the March 11 attacks.

Police also found a substantial amount of money, including a roll of notes worth $604 [ed. note: $604 is a “substantial sum?”] on the body of one of the militants.

Spain, a largely Roman Catholic country, marks Easter week with national celebrations that culminate on Sunday, Easter Day.

Fearing more attacks...

...Jose Zapatero said, “Will you leave us alone if we let you have Portugal?”