Police say they killed five attackers in town of Cambrils

Police say they've killed five attackers in Cambrils, a town south of Barcelona, to thwart a "terrorist attack" using explosive belts.

Spain mounted a sweeping anti-terror operation on Friday (August 18) after a suspected Daish militant drove a van into crowds in Barcelona, killing 13 people before fleeing, in what police suspect was one of multiple planned attacks.

Daish claimed responsibility for the deadly rampage along the city's most famous avenue on Thursday, which was packed with tourists taking an afternoon stroll. The death toll could rise, with more than 100 injured, authorities said.

READ: Spain hunts van driver who mowed down Barcelona crowd, killing 13

READ: Catalan police say police have killed 4 attackers in Cambrils

READ: Van ploughs through crowd in Barcelona, killing at least 13

As security forces hunted for the van's driver, who was seen escaping on foot, police said they had killed five attackers on Thursday (August 17) night in Cambrils, a town south of Barcelona, to thwart a "terrorist attack" using explosive belts. Six civilians and a police officer were injured in the operation.

Police said the Cambrils plot was linked to the van attack.