Spain activates plans to protect country against possible terrorist attacks

Spain plans to activate a special security plan during the Christmas holiday in an effort to protect the country from a terrorist attack, the Interior Ministry said on Tuesday. The ministry said in a statement that 40,000 agents of the National Police and the Civil Guard will work jointly to secure the country, especially in places that attract large crowds like shopping malls or sports complexes, as well as strategic sites such as energy installations and big communications centers.

The plan will be activated on Dec. 22 and last through Jan. 9. Bombings in Madrid on March 11, 2004, ripped through four commuter trains, killing 191 people and injuring more than 1,500 in what was Spain's worst terrorist attack. The bombings have been blamed on Islamic militants linked to al-Qaida, and officials warn that Spain remains a target, reports the AP. I.L.