Basque separatist group ETA claimed responsibility today for a December attack in which a Spanish Civil Guard policeman was killed and vowed to continue to target tourism in its campaign for independence.
In a statement given in the Basque language to a local radio station, the guerrillas pinpointed Spanish tourism as a "priority target" and said it had sent threatening letters to diplomats, travel agencies and airlines.
The letters warned that visitors to Spain in the summer months could be affected by attacks by the armed group. Tourism is a key industry in Spain, accounting for about 12 per cent of the total economy, and ETA has long set its sights on prime holiday areas with bombing campaigns.
Western Europe's most violent guerrilla group, ETA has killed 838 people since 1968 to press its demands for an independent state in northern Spain and southwestern France. The group is listed as a terrorist organisation by the European Union and the United States.
Its latest fatal attack came on December 17th, when a Civil Guard policeman was killed and another was wounded in a shootout with two members of ETA.
The guerrillas, both of whom were arrested, were carrying 130 kg (286 pounds) of explosives and planned a New Year's Eve bombing spree in Madrid, according to the government.