ETA lives, breeds contempt
Despite the war on terrorism and every nation’s efforts to prevent further harm to its people, some things will never disappear.
Wednesday afternoon the extremist terrorist group ETA left another pair of its dirty handprints on the capital as two car bombs exploded in central Madrid, Spain. Neither caused any deaths, only damage, injuries and turmoil.
The first car burst into flames outside the European Tower across from Santiago Bernabeau Stadium, Madrid’s major soccer arena. The tower sits on the north end of the Castellana, Madrid’s most famous boulevard, which runs through the cityâs center, linking Atocha train station, Retiro Park, the Prado Museum and many other important monuments. The damage was limited to about 10 cars, 17 injuries and no victims.
The second car exploded on Ambassadors street and did not cause injuries.
Firefighters put out a major fire caused by the first explosion while the police cordoned off the area to vehicles and pedestrians.
Although the explosions did not cause any deaths, the phrase “Timing is everything” rang true for soccer fans Wednesday. The first bomb went off at 4:55 p.m., less than four hours before the evening’s heavily-anticipated League of Champions semifinals game between Real Madrid and F.C. Barcelona. Stadium officials predicted a crowd of approximately 75,000 for the match that was not cancelled, despite the events.
Not only an important day for soccer afficionados, May first is a day of festivities for the country and many take advantage the three-day holiday by travelling to the beach and visiting family and friends.
WARNING SENT
At 4:20, Madrid’s emergency services received a warning about the bomb and its location from callers who identified themselves with ETA’s name. Wednesday’s events mirrored another ETA-planted car bomb that exploded ten days ago causing similar results–major damage to buildings and nearby cars but no victims. President of the government JosŽ#233; Mar’iacute;a Aznar sent his reaction to the bombs from Washington. He said nothing and no-one will prevent the Spanish government and society from fighting against terrorism and its accomplices. Aznar went on to say that those who aid and hide ETA members will also be prosecuted and that the government will continue putting all its efforts into the battle until the terrorist group has no place to hide. Aznar will be present at the annual meeting between the European Union and the United States Thursday.
Although feelings against ETA have grown stronger with the passage of time, the group still benefits from its ties spread through Spain. Many members receive support from families and friends, though the government hopes that with every attack those allies will disappear.
