CIA ‘implicated’ in attack on North Korean embassy in Madrid
Investigators reportedly believe operation was planned perfectly, as if by a ‘military cell’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Spanish investigators have reportedly linked the CIA to an attack on the North Korean embassy in Madrid last month.
A group of 10 assailants broke into the embassy on 22 February, tying up eight members of staff before beating and interrogating them.
The attackers also took computers and mobile phones from the embassy.
Sources close to the investigation told Spanish newspaper El Pais they had identified at least two of the attackers as having connections with the CIA.
The newspaper said the CIA had denied involvement but its sources in the government said they found the US intelligence agency’s response “unconvincing”.
During the break-in, one woman managed to get free and escaped through a second floor window and a neighbour who heard her screams contacted the police.
But when they arrived on the scene they were turned away by a man at the door of the embassy who told them nothing was going on.
Minutes later, the assailants sped away in two North Korean diplomatic vehicles which were later found abandoned nearby.
Inside the embassy, officers found eight people who had been tied up with bags over their heads for two hours. Two needed medical attention.
Sources told El Pais investigators from the Spanish police and secret service (CNI) believe the operation was planned perfectly, as if by a “military cell”.
They reportedly suspect the attackers were hunting for information on Kim Hyok-chol, the former North Korean ambassador to Spain who has since played a role in organising North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s meeting with Donald Trump in Vietnam.
Kim Hyok-chol was expelled from Spain in September 2017 in retaliation for North Korea’s nuclear missile tests.
He has since led the North Korean delegation that negotiated with the US in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.
A spokesperson for Spain’s Ministry of the Interior said they do not comment on ongoing investigations.
The Independent has contacted the CIA for comment.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments