Train Explosions in Madrid this AM. Terrorism?

My news have it that there were at last five bombs that exploded in three railway stations during morning rush hour, causing at least 50 people to die.

It is generally considered that Basque extremists are to blame for these attacks three days before the Spanish general elections.

Phil.

OMG, I just read it on Yahoo news. How horrible! Like Phil said, they're putting the blame on the Basque separatist group ETA. My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by this tragedy.

Spanish newspapers sites have the count at 62 already and it appears thay have yet to accessed some train wagons ripped by the blasts. Terrorism is a global problem and this catastrophe makes that point very clearly.

I'm afraid that in Europe we have had to cope with this sort of thing for decades.
No cause justifies the destruction of innocent lives.

There were several bombs from what the news said and also a car bomb outside.

Our prayers and condoleances for those in Madrid in these sad, difficult times.

Totally vicious attacks not only on innocent commuters, but aiming for rescue personnel as well. The Spanish anti-bomb squad just blew two suspicious bags; one in Calle Alcala, a street near Gran Via and another near the Atocha Station.

My sincere condolances to anyone who has been affected by the explosions in Spain this morning.

As a spaniard, I thank you for your condolences and support.
It's been a total massacre. Around 160 dead, 6 or 7 hundred injured.
Thankfully, no one I know has been affected -so far-.

The amount of dead is 173 by now. ETA denies the bombs, and for some strange reason that is based just on instinct, I believe them. Usually ETA warns beforehand, and targets are directed against the government, not ordinary people on their way to work.

Please accept my deepest condolences for the awful tragedy

regards ... Ger

Just horrifying. Don't know what ETA ever thought they would gain from these acts of carnage.

A truly awful event that makes me very angry. My heart goes out to the Spanish people.

My thoughts and prayers with all those affected by this violent act.

"No claim for responsibility yet".
Extremism of some sort is to blame.

A cowardly act bordering on madness. My heart and prayers to the Spanish people.

Elinais right, its strange ETA did not claim responsibility. The operate a bit like the old IRA used to and claim responsibility for media attention. My Irish paper at lunch here states only 62 dead but this was probably printed just after it happened. Hospitals are asking people in the area to donate blood. Its a sad world we are in at times.

May I also extend my deepest condolences to all Spainish people. Simply horrific.

My sympathy and condolences to our Spanish friends.

I wish to echo all the sentiments above and offer condolences. Having recently returned from business in Barcelona, the Spanish people have to be amongst the friendliest and most hospitable of nationals. A total waste of so many lives.

My sympathy to the Spanish people.

I was just in Spain (Madrid) late last yer and I still look forward to my next visit to this wonderful country.

My prayers and condolences to all those affected. How horrific the bombings were is beyond comprehension.

I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the bombings today. My thoughts and prayers go out to the all the people of Spain affected by this horrible act.

To all of you reading this in Spain, please know that the world grieves with you.

It's a sad day for all of us, and our thoughts are with those of you in Spain as residents or travelers. We all must live in the cowardly shadow of terrorists these days, but they will not prevail in the end.

I was at Atocha station a few months ago, with my wife and daughter. I shudder to think...

Goddamn the ETA. Damn them to hell.

My sympathies also to all the people affected by this terrible event.

Only innocents are ever harmed by these acts, so senseless and sad.

My sympathies, too, to all in Spain who have been touched by this act of violence.

It's been a few years since we visited Spain, but I remember vividly walking through Atocha Station and how very pretty it was. How terribly sad that some insane group felt killing innocents would further their "cause." We loved Spain and the Spanish and I'm appalled by these horrifying acts, and offer my deepest sympathy and prayers for those who are suffering.

How terrible! Just a year ago, I was in Spain driving by the Atocha station. Spain is one of my favorite countries to visit--wonderful people and culture. My condolences to all our Spanish friends.

Thoughts and prayers to our Spanish friends. How sad.

Both the BBC and US State Department point out that the use of multiple bombs directed against civilians rather than government installations or personnel is more the mark of al Qaeda than ETA. Remember Spain was one of the chief US allies in Iraq.

Blessings upon the victims and their families.

My Prayers...

What a crazy world we live in!
My sympathies to all affected.

190 deaths confirmed right now.

And ETA usually takes its time before acknowledging their killings, so its silence is quite normal. Europol had detected that ETA wanted to change its modus operandi to big terrorist acts, and it seems that they have moved into that ... don't put the blame on Al-Qaeda, they aren't the only killers ...

Thanks to all.

Cova

I am so sorry this has happened.

I must add my condolences and sympathies to all the people of Spain.

I made my first trip to Spain in October and found the people of Madrid to be wonderful.

As I watch the news about this terrible and senseless atack, I can't stop thinking about them - the friendly and gregarious people who worked at the Westin Palace where we stayed, the cops who patiently gave us directions, the docent at the Prado who answered all our questions, the cab drivers who showed us their beautiful city with so much pride - my heart goes out to them all.

To our Spanish friends: My sympathies are with you...

With deep sadness I feel for Spain and for the ruthless cowardly crimes against
this wonderful country and people.

i believe the very beloved maribel is a madrid resident. hope to hear from her soon that she's alright.

What horrible news to wake to this morning. My heartfelt sympathy and empathy go out to Madrilenos and Espanoles. The world is with you.
Viva Espana. Te quiero.

I just heard that seven detonators along with the copy of the Koran were found in a truck outside Madrid. Doesn't sound like ETA to me.

Wow, I'm impressed by the outpoor of sympathy.

I also long to hear from Maribel, I think her husband is spanish and they have family in Madrid and I think she's in Spain right now or headed here in a few days. I hope they are all ok.

Cova, I agree with you. ETA were talking about moving on to bigger things. One etarra woman is known to have said recently that in order to get what they want, ETA needed to put a hundred dead bodies on the negotiating table... Also, the type of explosive used and the similar attacks to trains or stations recently stopped by the police points straight to them. Unfortunately, they not only target government officials and the military, they bombed a department store in the eighties and the parking lot of Barajas airport last year. They just want to blackmail the population and the government into giving them the independence.

A story I heard on the radio today at work: one nurse started helping in the blast area and was horrified to see dead bodies all in and around the train, the only sound that of their mobile phones ringing unanswered.

I don't think it's ETA either. My prayers are with all the families affected by this ruthless actions of evil-minded madmen. Where will they strike next? Damn them all to Hell.

News is now reporting that Al Qaeda is taking responsibility.

Wren: Got a link?

This was indeed horrific and sad news. My thoughts are with all of the victims and their families.

My wife and I were walking from Atocha station toward Prado just 10 days ago. What a pain to know that my beloved Madrilenos suffered from these damned terrorists. I do not care if those responsible are from ETA or Al-Quida, or from other gangs. They all should burn in hell. My deep condolences to Spanish people.

mr.go, it is a reuter's story:

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=3KREL3GZ0WS0YCRBAELCFEY?type=topNews&storyID=4550469&section=news

My deepest condolences go to the Spanish people. My contempt goes to whatever terrorist organization was responsible.

From CNN currently

Spanish Interior Ministry officials said Thursday they are investigating the new angle in the deadly series of Madrid blasts after the discovery of a van containing eight detonators and an Arabic tape with Koranic teachings.

A citizen's tip Thursday led to the van found near the commuter line. The tape is commercially available and contained no threats.

The new line of investigation raises the possibility of a link to Islamic militants.

Still, the Interior Ministry said the Basque separatist group ETA remains the prime suspect in the series of coordinated bomb attacks on Madrid's commuter train system that killed at least 192 people and wounded 1,400 others at the height of the city's morning rush hour.

FOX/MSNBC reporting that authorities have received a letter from al Qaeda claiming responsibility for this horrendous attack.

News reports also say a tape with sayings from the Koran and detonators were found in a van parked near one of the explosion sites.

This is truly a horrible, horrible terrorist act! I am originally from Madrid (live in NYC) but my parents live there. When I spoke with them this morning they were startled awake by the incessant sirens. They immediately turned on the news and were faced with this horror. My mother said it brought back the terrible memories of 9/11. My heart goes out to all the families and to my lovely home city and country that have been so horribly affected.

What more does it take? Why hasn't every single country in the free world committed 10,000 troops to go to northern Afghanistan/northwestern Pakistan, and turn over every single rock? This kind of terrorism cannot continue if its FINANCIAL leadership is broken. Isn't it clear which multi-millionaire Saudi ex-patriate has the stated intentions of continuing to fund and support these kinds of acts?

My best wishes... to all freedom-loving people and their defenders...

Rex

Well said, Rex.

olga, covadonga, cristina, my Spanish Fodor friends,
I send my deepest, most heartfelt condolences to you all at this terribly tragic moment. As I am here in the US, preparing to leave for my beloved Spain, I watch on television, with disbelief, with pain, with horror, the unfolding tragedy. I feel inmeasureable sadness for the families of the innocent victims. While I am thankful to my God that no loved one or friend has been a victim of this inexplicable, wrenching and cowardly act, I pray that you did not lose a friend or loved one. All my thoughts, my heart and my prayers go out to you. I only wish I could be there right now to join you in solidarity and in protest, and to support you in your grief.
Maribel

What heartbreaking news.... I am headed to wonderful Madrid in May and look forward to being there to support the people of the city. Visitors meant so much to all of us in NYC in the days after 9/11.... I can't believe it's all happening again.

I certainly hope Maribel and her loved ones are ok.

Such a senseless act. Such a waste of human life.

I leave for Madrid in less than 48 hours. It will be devastating to see firsthand what they are going through, and I am completely scared of traveling now. But I'm not planning on cancelling or altering my trip plans. My heart is broken for all those that have been affected by this senseless act.

Whoever is resonsible -- the ETA, al Qaeda, or some other group -- this is very very sad.

We humans can create such beauty, but also such horror.

I too will be leaving in the next two weeks to visit my family in Madrid. This breaks my heart so much I can't even put it into words -- Maribel though said it beautifully.

Everything has already been said.

I just wanted to add my name to the list.

My deepest condolences to all of those affected by this senseless act.

What a tragedy..,
My heart and prayers are for all the families that lost or going to lose their beloved..
I just watched the news, it seems like that the Islamic terrorists are claiming their horrible act of terror...

Did anyone heard about the bombs threats on French TGV?
My sister lives in Provence had to go to Paris to help her daughter with her new baby..
She left the 7th of March..But she was very worry about taking the TGV

..Luckily she arrived in Paris without any trouble..I bet that know she will have reason to worry.

Poor World...I wonder if we will never have Peace anymore..

Maribel, somehow I didn't see your post when I just now left my message. I am glad to see that you're ok. Well, physically, at least. I know your heart must be so sad.

Ooops, should be Now,not know.

As someone who was in the World Trade Center moments before the event occurred, my sympathies go out to those who will suffer from this event.

While the US and Europe has occassionally had its political differences of late, the reality is that those things that bind us are far greater than those issues which separate us.

The only way we collectively defeat these people is our resolve to never give in to them and to be defiant of their attempt to manipulate us with violence.

What a sad day. We have your support in these hard moments, so we, the Spaniards, thank you so much.

No matter if it was ETA or Al Qaeda. Probably, there can be a connection between both of them, I do not know.

They've killed hundreds, people from workers areas. Many of them SouthAmericans, Moroccan people, people from East Europe, students ...

For those about to come to Madrid, I can tell you that Madrid, as a big city, will wonderful for you. Normal activity will be recover in one or two days.

Thank you very much.

Now I hear that an attack towards the USA is 90% ready. God help us all.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Madrid and all of Spain on this sad day.

Having worried about family members following the deliberate attacks on 9/11, and knowing the balm it was to my heart to read the outpouring of care from the world, I send my deepest sympathy to the good people of Madrid and my most hearfelt hope for better times ahead for all of us. Anne

Rest in Peace

I posted the original message this morning and have been in pin and needles all day thinking about the fate of the wonderful people we have met on our recent trips to Madrid, including a stay in a hotel across from the Atocha station. Up to this point, I had no plans to visit Spain this year, but after this tragedy I will make plans to visit and show solidarity and support to their economy and beautiful people.

Message: My sympathy & condolences, too, to the the Spanish people.

They are now saying the attack was Al Qaeda. As a New Yorker who went through the horrors of 911 I feel very sorry for the people of Spain. It is indeed a terrible tradegy. I hope to visit Spain in the next few years. We can not let these horrible people win and change our way of life. We have to be stronger and more determined then ever.

How awful....my sincere condolences to each and every one of the victims and their families.

My first exposure to Spain was a visit to Barcelona last October. I loved it.

This will not stop me enjoying my next "big" trip which is to visit the rest of Spain & Portugal.

Down with terrorism!!!

I also send my condolences to the people of Spain and those who have loved ones there. This is a terrible, terrible tragedy. My family and I are about to leave for Barcelona on our very first visit to Spain in a few weeks.
We will not let this change our plans. Maribel, I am happy to hear you and your family are safe. God bless us all.

I am so sick of this bullshit.

My heart goes out to the families and friends of the people who died.

I can only weep. On 9/11 a Lithuanian with whom we had only the most superficial email contact wrote us a most moving note about the crepe-draped flags in Vilnius. His expressions of concern meant everything.

Now my thoughts and heartfelt wishes to all people everywhere touched by this madness that harms us all, however distant we might be.

Ellen

I was scheduled to arrive in Madrid this AM with my family but had to cancel due to a medical Problem .I would like to give my sincere condolences to each and every one of the victims and their families.

This is all so senseless. What a cruel world we live in. My condolences to the people of Spain.

I have just returned from a full day of work with no radio and TV contact and am shocked at the news that is streaming from the TV.

My most deepfelt condolences to each and every family that has lost someone in this tragedy and to all Spain as well. I grieve for you.

My heartfelt sympathy goes to the people of Madrid. I cannot imagine why terrorism goes on like this when people are maimed or killed.

I pray daily that bin Laden and Al Quada are caught and an end put to all of this.

I would like to echo the many sentiments of my fellow Fodorite friends--my deepest condolences to the good people of Spain. I was there exactly 2 months ago and it breaks my heart to hear this news. I would like to ask our Spanish Fodor friends to keep in touch and continue to update us on the events in Madrid. Of course we can watch the news, but I would really like to hear from you all as well. Your Fodor friends here in the US grieve with you.

Sending my hearfelt sympathies to the people of Madrid. Such a horrible act. So much fear to live under. What a world.

Very disturbing to hear it was 911 days from 9/11.

My condolences and prayers go out to all affected by this despicable act of terrorism.

I have always loved Madrid. A trip to Spain is incomplete without it. And now my heart breaks to think of the cruel and cowardly acts perpetrated upon innocent people just trying to get to work in the morning. We grieve with the sorrowing families and pray that peace will overcome all the hate. Para todas las víctimas--Que en paz descansen. Mi más sincero pésame.

In the nightmare of the dark
All the dogs of Europe bark,
And the living nations wait,
Each sequestered in its hate;

Intellectual disgrace
Stares from every human face,
And the seas of pity lie
Locked and frozen in each eye,

Follow, poet, follow right
To the bottom of the night,
With your unconstraining voice
Still persuade us to rejoice;

In the desert of the heart
Let the healing fountain start,
In the prison of his days
Teach the free man how to praise.

WH Auden, In Memory of Yeats

I just want to add my condolences to the people of Spain and my prayers for your strength during this sad time. God Bless you.

I also want to add my condolences to the people of Spain. It is such a sad day to see people killing each other.

I've done the math about a dozen times and I still come up with March 11, 2004 being 912 days after September 11, 2001.

Patrick: I haven't tried to work it out myself so I don't know.

All I know is that's what they are saying in every news bulletin on Sky News. I assume they must be sure it was 911 days before they would report it.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Psalms 23:4

Whether or not Al-Qaeda was involved, let us all keep in mind that God never, in any religion, condones murder. These terrorists are only that--murderers--and not representatives of the true Muslim faith.

May God comfort those suffering in Spain and around the world.

Exactly two and a half years, so I think it was a chosen day, in relation to Sep 11 01.

my heart is saddened, madrid and the people are beautiful, how can anyone destroy a life is beyond me, there is no cause worthy of this tragedy.

my deepest sympathy goes to the families. In Australia we are hearing that it was the work of Al Qaeda and over 160 people are dead, it's Bali again

Vaya con Dios

Sadness overwhelmes me this day.

Terrorism has placed bombs in Madrid that have blasted in our hearts.

Madrid a city of joy and life is going through a very sad moment with an increasing amount of death. 198 for the moment.

Madrid will always welcome visitors

Tks

I also would be priviliged to add my condolences to this fine thread of humanity.

The Spanish people do not deserve such horror.

May those who have passed rest in peace and those who survive live in peace.

with love and affection

I have nothing profound to add. I just wanted to say how heartbreaking my family and I found yesterday's events. Our prayers and sympathy go to those affected is Spain.

MAY THEY ALL REST IN GOD'S PEACE

ThinGorjus:
Good one. Very nice.

Sorry, link was supposed to take you to painting of Picasso's GUERNICA. You must be member of site, however, to view.

Can't help but think of this painting now.

In case anyone would like to send an email of support and/or sympathy to one of Spain's consulates:


http://www.spainconsul-ny.org/consula.do/consulados.html

Please add my name to this wonderful group of Fodorites, expressing our solidarity with the people of Spain.

I have such fond thoughts of my recent trip there, and can't wait to plan another!

Thanks for the link, marktynernyc. I think that's a good way to show solidarity with the Spanish people.

And pursuant to rex's last comment: March 11, 2204 is exactly 911 days after September 11, 2001. Scary factoid.

that was a great idea about emailing condolences to the consulates. mine's already been sent. i hope everyone on this board will send one!!!

I would like to extend my sympathies and support to the Spanish people.

We are scheduled to leave for Madrid next wednesday and will proceed as planned.

This is so trivial in this time of pain but to clear up some confusion:

March 11 would have been 911 days after September 11, 2001 but 2004 being a leap year it is 912.

Whatever the math, we are all feeling as one with the people of Spain.

I just wanted to send my prayers and love to the people of Spain.

Wow! Did you see the crowds out on the streets of Madrid! Two million all side by side showing their revulsion and standing against the terrorist cowards. It was a very moving sight.We need a demonstration as well. Has anyone in the UK heard if we are holding a 2 minutes silence? After 9/11 one thing I will particularly remember was the playing of the Stars and Stripes in London.

I haven't been able to check in for a few days because of work demands and wondered if this would be brought up here. I am so moved to read the many messages of compassion for the people of Madrid. The pictures of vigils and gatherings in other European cities say it all - we are one world.

I am sending my message of sympathy to all the Spanish people. Please know caring thoughts are with you in this time of great sorrow.

Excuse the poor attempt but...

no esta palabras por este

The civiliad world pours out its prayers and sympamthies. Whether this is the work of ETA or al qaeda we all must stand firm in our resolve to eradicate this cancer that attacks freedom loving people around the globe.

May we all resolve to defeat the cowards who commit these heinous acts.

May God bless those who have suffered to much ...

vaya con Dios

Thanks, Marc, I sent my email off to our consulate.

ttt.

I just realized that one of the most rewarding aspect of our love for travel is the attachment that we develop with the countries and their people.

The attachment comes with genuine appreciation and the bond that develops more than any for those that do not travel.

I had previously added my condolence through this thread, but, I just want to top this thread just so we put things in their proper perspectives as we share our sympathy with the people of Spain.

I've been crying all day for a country I love as I do my own, for a people who have touched my heart and brought it joy--I am with you in sorrow--it is my sorrow too, it is the world's sorrow. I just hope and pray we can go beyond this sorrow to find love, to find peace.

Te quiero, espana...

Thank you ThinGorjus for the poem, and Mark for the consulates e-mail address and thank you Fodorites for being here.

As a Spaniard, I truly thank and appreciate all your messages. Fortunately, none of my family or friends have been directly affected, but my heart is with the victims and their families. Thank-you for your support.

Terrible news indeed. My soul weeps. I am so sorry you are experiencing the pain of terrorism in your fabulous city and country. Although I am miles and miles away, please know I will walk with you in solidarity as you grieve, rebuild and go on about your lives. May God bless all and bring peace.

Sharon
Oklahoma City

I wanted to add my deepest condolences to the Spanish people. ThinGorjus, thanks for sharing Auden's beautiful poem.

I want to send out a message of peace to everyone and hope.
And the ones that died that they will be in heaven and live on in our Hearts.

Regards