Spanish Report: Terrorist Attack Inspired By Bataclan

La Vanguardia Via AP – Catalan Terrorists
In this undated photo, published Tuesday Aug. 6, 2018 by the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia, terrorists identified as Younes Abouyaaqoub, left and Youssef Aalla, prepare explosives at a house in Alcanar, Spain. 16 people were killed and over 120 injured in the terrorist attacks in 2017 in Barcelona and nearby Cambrils. Spanish media are showing previously unseen photographs leaked from the police investigation into the attacks of some of those involved in last year’s terror attacks just days before the anniversary.

Catalonian police have released a report showing the terrorists that carried out the 2017 vehicle attacks on La Rambla in Barcelona and in Cambrils had been researching music venues and festivals as possible targets.

The attackers viewed Western culture as a distraction for Muslims, a summary of the report provided by Spanish media company EFE said, and they had carried out internet research on numerous music-related targets before deciding to carry out a vehicle attack.

The report also indicates the terrorists took inspiration from the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, which saw 90 people killed at the Bataclan theater during an Eagles Of Death Metal concert as part of a wider series of attacks which ultimately killed 130.

The attackers also researched “Sagrada Familia,” a famous church in Barcelona, and “Betis vs Barcelona” an upcoming soccer match, according to Antena3.

The vehicle attack carried out in Barcelona Aug. 17, 2017, saw a young man drive his van into a crowd killing 13 immediately and injuring at least 130, according to The Guardian. The following vehicle attack several hours later in Cambrils killed one and injured six. 

An explosion in the town of Alcanar the previous night killed two people and a search of the premises found materials frequently used in making bombs, indicating a bombing was planned but the explosives may have accidentally detonated. The report indicates police found a “clear interest” to try bombing the Sagrada Familia church, according to Antena3.

A judge investigating the attacks recently requested data from several microfinancing companies that are suspected of being used to fund the attacks, according to El Economista. They also reportedly sold jewelry, which may have been stolen, for cash, according to Antena3.