Who Did the Madrid Train Bombing?

By Robert Palmer

The Madrid Train Bombing, also known as the 11-M bombings, was a series of coordinated terrorist attacks that occurred in Madrid, Spain on March 11, 2004. The attacks were carried out by Islamic extremists and resulted in the death of 191 people and injured over 2,000 others. The bombings were the deadliest terrorist attack in Spanish history and had a profound impact on the country’s political landscape.

The Attack

On the morning of March 11th, ten bombs exploded almost simultaneously on four commuter trains heading towards Madrid’s Atocha station. The bombs were placed inside backpacks and were filled with shrapnel to maximize damage. The explosions occurred during rush hour when the trains were packed with commuters, leading to widespread chaos and panic.

The Investigation

In the immediate aftermath of the bombings, Spanish authorities launched a massive investigation to identify those responsible. Within days, evidence began to surface linking the attacks to Islamic terrorists with ties to Al-Qaeda. Investigators discovered that the bombs used in the attack contained a type of dynamite commonly used by Al-Qaeda operatives.

The Perpetrators

It was later revealed that a group of Islamic extremists with ties to Al-Qaeda had carried out the attack. The group was led by Serhane ben Abdelmajid Fakhet, a Tunisian national who went by the alias “The Tunisian.” Fakhet had been living in Spain for several years and had become radicalized after being jailed for drug trafficking.

The other members of the group included:

  • Abdelmajid Bouchar: Algerian national
  • Mohamed Bouharrat: Moroccan national
  • Hassan el Haski: Moroccan national
  • Rafa Zouhier: Spanish national

The Aftermath

The Madrid Train Bombings had a profound impact on Spain’s political landscape. In the days following the attack, there were widespread protests and calls for justice. The Spanish government initially blamed the Basque separatist group ETA for the attack, but evidence soon emerged linking the bombings to Islamic extremists.

The bombings also had a significant impact on Spain’s general election, which took place just three days after the attack. The conservative People’s Party, which was in power at the time, was widely expected to win the election.

However, in a shocking upset, the socialist party won by a landslide. Many analysts believed that the bombings played a significant role in swaying public opinion towards the socialists.

In conclusion, the Madrid Train Bombings were carried out by Islamic extremists with ties to Al-Qaeda. The attacks were responsible for 191 deaths and over 2,000 injuries and had a profound impact on Spain’s political landscape. While those responsible for the attacks have been brought to justice, the memory of that tragic day will never be forgotten.