Manchester mayhem

| MAY 24, 2017, 04:34 AM IST
Twenty-two people, who were part of the crowd that went to Manchester Arena to enjoy a concert by US singer Ariana Grande, lost their lives in a bomb blast that police believe was triggered by a suicide bomber. This is the worst terror attack in England since the 2005 serial blasts on the London transport system that claimed 52 lives. Britain is in the middle of an election and both, Prime Minister Theresa May and Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn paused their campaigns to take stock of the situation. The bombing follows terrorist attacks in Paris, Nice and Berlin last year. There has been no respite for Europe since the Charlie Hebdo attacks. While the Paris assault involved multiple groups and advanced planning, the Nice and Berlin attacks involved vehicles and appear to be the doing of individuals. Police in Manchester are trying to ascertain if the bomber was working alone or received support from other groups. It might be too early to point a finger at ISIS, but the fact that the group had many fighters who moved in and out of Europe is deeply worrying. The attack could strengthen the resolve of Britain to isolate itself from Europe if it is discovered that the bomber has some connection to international terror groups and could have an impact on the June 8 elections.

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