On August 24, 2007, suspected ETA terrorists detonated a car bomb outside a police barracks in Spain’s northern Basque region. The incident is the first known ETA-inspired attack since the armed separatist group officially declared an end to a 15-month ceasefire in June 2007.
As we previously reported, in the months following the June 5, 2007 announcement, Spanish police have significantly ramped up anti-terrorism efforts, resulting in increased arrests of would-be terrorists. A total of 18 suspected ETA members have been detained and official have impounded approximately 400 kilograms of explosives across the country throughout late June 2007 and early July 2007.
Prior to the August 24, 2007 attack, recent arrests coupled with the discovery of explosives materials prompted Spanish Interior Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba to warn of an imminent ETA-inspired attack.
We believe future attacks are likely, specifically as Spanish authorities continue their efforts to crackdown on suspected ETA terrorists. To this end, we will continue to see small-scale attacks bearing the hallmarks of ETA—chaotic violence with minimal casualties, in the near future against government, security forces, and possibly tourist areas.
Car Bomb Injures Two
On August 24, 2007, a car bomb detonated outside of a police barracks in Spain’s Basque region. The blast occurred around 03:30am local time, slightly injuring two police officers at Spain’s paramilitary Guardia Civil barracks in Durango, Spain.
Spanish Director General of Police, Joan Mesquida, stated the car bomb employed between 80 and 100 kilograms of explosives material. Presently, no claims of responsibility for the attack have been made.
Approximately one hour following the blast, a second car bomb exploded in nearby Amorebieta. Officials believe ETA militants employed the second blast as a diversion to flee the scene of the first attack. No injuries were reported as a result of the second bomb.
ETA Continues Expansion; Moves toward “New Phase”
As we previously reported, in the weeks following the conclusion of a 15-month ceasefire, authorities continue to uncover ETA-inspired attack plans in both Spain and France.
Additionally, in a striking development, suspected ETA members have been detained and arrested as far away as Canada and Mexico. Specifically, the recent arrests of ETA militants in North America warrant significant concern as they indicate ETA’s ability to re-locate and network on a global scale.
In the latest development, Spanish press reports tout ETA may be moving into a so-called “new phase” in its violent campaign to pressure the Spanish government and further its goal toward a separate Basque homeland.
Among evidence supporting this “new phase,” vehicles recovered in the August 24, 2007, car bomb attack indicate ETA might hold strategic bases in neighboring Portugal, a new locale for ETA operations. Following this discovery Spanish Interior Minister Rubalcaba stated it is likely ETA maintains a base in the southern portion of Portugal, specifically in Algarve.
The recent car bomb attack is the second incident indicating a potential link between ETA and Portugal may exist. In June 2007, police discovered an abandoned explosives-laden vehicle near the border with Portugal. Police believe the car was rented in Lisbon, and likely was abandoned after its driver was alerted to a nearby police checkpoint.
ETA Maintains Presence and Force
The August 24, 2007, blast came just hours before Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero was to chair his first cabinet meeting after the summer break. As such, we believe ETA will continue to seek to retaliate against the Zapatero-led government.
Additionally, we will continue to see small-scale attacks akin to recent car bombs bearing traditional hallmarks of ETA – chaotic violence with minimal emphasis on civilian casualties and increased targeting of government, security forces, and tourist sites.
Despite increased security operations, particularly in cross-border cooperation between Paris and Madrid, ETA will maintain its presence within Spain and France and sustain its position as a formidable force across the region.
