Three Bombing Suspects and One Police Officer Killed in Madrid Explosion - 2004-04-04

Three individuals suspected of involvement in the Madrid train station explosion detonated themselves during a police inspection, killing one police officer alongside them, according to Spain's Interior Minister Angel Acebes. The explosion also injured 11 police officers. The building where the suspects were hiding was destroyed in the blast. Local media report a total of 15 injuries. The explosion occurred in the outskirts of Madrid while Spanish police were pursuing leads on three suspects related to the March 11 terrorist attack, which resulted in 191 deaths. Police cordoned off the 'Leganes' area in the southern outskirts of the capital. Local reports indicate that the police were attempting to arrest three individuals believed to be North African and hiding in a residential building in that area. Meanwhile, Spanish officials previously stated that a bomb found on the high-speed train line on Friday contained the same type of explosive material used in last month's bombing. The Interior Minister also told reporters on Saturday that investigations into the bomb discovered before the explosion are ongoing. Islamic extremists linked to Al-Qaeda have been deemed responsible for the Madrid attacks. Several Spanish newspapers reported on Saturday that the country's embassy in Cairo received a threatening letter regarding attacks on Spanish interests in North Africa and the Mediterranean region. The reports indicate that the letter was signed by the Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigade, demanding the withdrawal of Spanish forces from Iraq and Afghanistan by the end of April. This is the same group that claimed responsibility for the Madrid train bombing.