People are sharing pictures of cats after the Barcelona attack

At least 12 people are dead and many more injured after a terror attack in the heart of Barcelona.

And, as a police operation unfolded in the city, police requested people refrain from posting images and videos on social media networks.

In attempt to prevent information about officers’ operational movements finding its way to the attackers, police told Twitter users to “remain in safe areas and help the police. Do not spread images!”

As a result, social media users have started flooding the #Barcelona trending tag with images and videos of cats.

Users did something similar during a lockdown in Brussels a few years ago.

After police successfully conducted raids and arrested 16 people, they thanked users:

“To all the cats who helped us last night: help yourselves! #BrusselsLockdown”

Many Twitter users have also used images of cats to ensure any propaganda impact desired by the terrorists is lessened.

Others are doing it out of respect to the families of those killed.