(VOVWORLD) - A huge manhunt was underway across Europe for at least one jihadist feared to be still at large after plotting the Barcelona terrorist attacks.
 Spanish policemen inspect a car after four suspected terrorists were killed by the police after they knocked down six civilians with their car at Paseo Maritimo on August 18, 2017 (Photo: EPA/VNA) |
Police and security services were hunting for the remaining members of a Moroccan-born terror cell, amid fears that they could be preparing further attacks at popular tourist areas.
The 17-year-old key suspect of the Barcelona van outrage, Moussa Oukabir, was one of five terrorists shot dead by Spanish police during an attack on the coastal resort of Cambrils in the early hours of Friday. Four other suspects were taken into custody. But police have been continuing to appeal for information on Younes Abouyaaqoub, 22, and two other suspects.
A French security official said Spanish police were looking for a Renault Kangoo van rented on Thursday in Spain by the suspects that may have crossed into France. Security officials believe the attacks on Barcelona and Cambrils were the work of a terror cell of at least 12 people, who may have been inspired by the London Bridge outrage in June.
Police chief Josep Lluis Trapero said they were planning “a much bigger atrocity” than the one that took place.