The arrests of three suspected ETA members and the seizure of several kilos of explosives are being hailed by police as a major success in the fight against terrorism.

Spanish officers believe the three were preparing an attack but were detained before they could become operational. Two people – a man and a woman – were picked up near the town of Usurbil apparently living in an industrial warehouse. The other was stopped in Astigarraga. Police say that 75 kilograms of nitrate and aluminium powder, a 25 -metre long detonation cord, walkie-talkies and computers were seized in the raids. Although none of the detained is thought to have been involved in last Friday’s murder of a policemen in Bilbao, that attack intensified operations against ETA. The officer’s death was the first suspected killing by the group since December.More about: Spain, Terrorism

Copyright © 2012 euronews