Vehicle attacks have become a disturbing trend in recent years, with Wednesday's truck attack in New Orleans being the latest in a series of incidents that have shocked the world. These attacks, where cars and trucks are used as weapons to target crowds, have been carried out for various motives, including terrorism.
One such example is the 2010 article published by Al Qaeda's branch in Yemen, which encouraged followers to use pickup trucks to 'mow down the enemies of Allah.' The article emphasized the need for speed and control to maximize the impact on as many people as possible.
In 2014, an ISIS spokesman also called for followers to use vehicles to attack individuals from countries considered as enemies. These incidents have raised concerns globally, with law enforcement agencies investigating the potential ties of perpetrators to terrorist organizations.
Some of the high-profile vehicle attacks in recent years include the tragic events in Nice, France, where a truck plowed through a crowd during Bastille Day celebrations, resulting in numerous casualties. Similarly, in Berlin, Germany, a Christmas market was targeted by a truck attack, leading to multiple fatalities.
One of the most notable incidents occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia, where a driver deliberately rammed into a group of protesters, resulting in the death of a young woman and several injuries. The perpetrator was convicted of multiple charges, including first-degree murder and federal hate crimes.
Another significant attack took place in Manhattan, New York, where a rental truck was used to mow down pedestrians along a busy street, claiming multiple lives. The suspect in this case cited inspiration from ISIS videos as the motive behind the attack.
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by vehicle attacks and the need for heightened vigilance and security measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
