ETA blamed for new bombings across northern Spain

Authorities in Spain are blaming ETA for carrying out four bombings at popular seaside resorts in the north of the country. No one was hurt in the blasts which came after warning calls from the militant Basque separatist group. The government says ETA has been severely weakened after a string of arrests but these attacks suggest the group has no intention of abandoning its armed struggle soon.

The first device went off just after midday on a seafront promenade in Laredo. It was followed by blasts in nearby Najo. The area had been evacuated only 45 minutes earlier. Frightenend holidaymakers were forced to take cover in local shops which drew down shutters to protect against the blast.

The explosions appear the beginning of ETA’s traditional summer bombing campaign in which it targets holiday resorts as part of its struggle for an independent Basque state.

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