MADRID (Sputnik) — According to the suspects' statements, the terrorists were preparing a "larger-scale" attack in Barcelona, while the attacks that took place were an alternative to the main scenario which had been prepared for several months, El Mundo reported.
The terrorists originally planned to detonate a powerful explosive device, known as "the mother of Satan," and when that plan failed, they conducted two van ramming attacks.
21 August 2017, 17:05 GMT
Bomb components were procured using money made from selling jewelry, most likely stolen earlier. The Prosecutor's Office has already requested the court to remand in custody Mohamed Houli Chemlal, who reportedly admitted that the attacks were initially planned near Barcelona's major tourist attractions, including the Sagrada Familia church.
On Thursday and early Friday, Spain's Barcelona and Cambrils faced two van ramming attacks, which have killed 15 people and left more than 130 injured. Daesh claimed responsibility for the attacks.
