Madrid Train Bombings Kill 191

Coordinated terrorist bombings of four commuter trains in Madrid, Spain, kill 191 people and injure approximately 1,800 — the deadliest terrorist attack in European history at the time. Spanish authorities initially blame the Basque separatist group ETA, but evidence quickly points to al-Qaeda-inspired Islamic extremists. The bombings, occurring three days before Spain's general election, influence the election result and Spain's subsequent withdrawal from Iraq.