Photograph — Reuters

Barely two weeks after the Manchester attack in England, the country has witnessed yet another terrorist attack in its capital, London. Here is what we know so far:

  • Three attackers ploughed a white van into pedestrians on London Bridge hitting at least six people late Saturday night.
  • The attackers alighted the van and went on a stabbing spree in the street, bars, and restaurants in the nearby Borough Market area.
  • Armed police officers responded swiftly to the incident, confronted, shot and killed all three attackers.
  • Casualty toll – six people killed, 48 injured.
  • The suspects wore suicide vests but it turned out they were fake.
  • Three major hospitals in the city were placed on a lockdown to keep staff and patients safe.
  • The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has described the attack as “deliberate and cowardly.”
  • The Metropolitan Police issued a “run, hide, and tell” warning to the public for the first time during the attack.
  • The “who?” is yet unknown as there have been no claim of responsibility to the attack. But the Islamic State had sent out a call earlier on Saturday via instant messaging service telegram, asking its followers to launch attacks with trucks, knives and guns against crusaders during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
  • The attack happened just a few days ahead of a general election billed for Thursday, June 8. And less than two weeks after a suicide bomber blew himself up at a concert in Manchester on May 22, killing 23 and injuring 116 people.

Several world leaders have taken to social media World leaders quickly took to social media to offer their support and stand in solidarity with the people of London. French President, Emmanuel Macron tweeted, “Faced with this news tragedy France is now more than ever supporting the UK. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.”

The Associated Press reports that German Chancellor Angela Merkel issued a statement early this morning, saying, that news of the attacks struck her with sadness and dismay. “We are united beyond all borders in horror and sorrow, but also in determination.” India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi condemned the attack, calling it “shocking and anguishing”.

President Trump also seized the moment to campaign in favour of his controversial travel ban. “We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!” he said in another tweet. An act that garnered varying reactions; some condemned it describing it as an exploitation of the London Bridge attack, while others were in support.

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