Suicide bomber suspected in blast
Source: Agencies |
April 30, 2011, Saturday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THE international police agency Interpol called the attack on a crowded tourist cafe in Marrakech a suspected suicide bombing yesterday, as the Morocco government said two Canadians, two French citizens, a Dutchman and two Moroccans were among the 15 killed in the explosion.
Police sought to restore calm to the jewel of Morocco's tourism industry the day after one of the nation's worst terrorist attacks and investigators worked to find out who was responsible.
The Interior Ministry said the death toll was 15, and seven victims have been identified, from France, Canada, the Netherlands and Morocco. More than 20 people were wounded.
Police were at the site searching for clues yesterday morning, keeping back onlookers who showed up to see the dramatic sight. The explosion ripped off the facade of the Argana cafe.
Morocco's deadliest attack in eight years hit the heart of the city's bustling old quarter, in Djemma el-Fna square, one of the top attractions in a country that depends heavily on tourism.
Government spokesman Khalid Naciri said it was too soon to lay blame for what he called a terrorist attack. But he noted that Morocco regularly dismantles cells linked to al-Qaida, and has disrupted several plots.
Authorities were struggling to coordinate the response to the attack. Some questioned whether it would prompt a security crackdown like that after suicide bombings in Casablanca in 2003, or undermine constitutional changes King Mohamed VI recently pledged in response to protests.
Two of the dead were a Jewish couple who lived in Shanghai, an Israeli citizen and her Moroccan husband, according to the Israeli consul in Shanghai, Jackie Eldan. They were visiting his parents in Casablanca and had taken a day trip to Marrakech.
United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton condemned the "cowardly attack" and promised support for Morocco, a steady US ally in the fight against terrorism.
France, Morocco's former colonial ruler, has sent psychologists and extra staff to the consulate in Marrakech, and is helping investigate, French Foreign Ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said yesterday.
Police sought to restore calm to the jewel of Morocco's tourism industry the day after one of the nation's worst terrorist attacks and investigators worked to find out who was responsible.
The Interior Ministry said the death toll was 15, and seven victims have been identified, from France, Canada, the Netherlands and Morocco. More than 20 people were wounded.
Police were at the site searching for clues yesterday morning, keeping back onlookers who showed up to see the dramatic sight. The explosion ripped off the facade of the Argana cafe.
Morocco's deadliest attack in eight years hit the heart of the city's bustling old quarter, in Djemma el-Fna square, one of the top attractions in a country that depends heavily on tourism.
Government spokesman Khalid Naciri said it was too soon to lay blame for what he called a terrorist attack. But he noted that Morocco regularly dismantles cells linked to al-Qaida, and has disrupted several plots.
Authorities were struggling to coordinate the response to the attack. Some questioned whether it would prompt a security crackdown like that after suicide bombings in Casablanca in 2003, or undermine constitutional changes King Mohamed VI recently pledged in response to protests.
Two of the dead were a Jewish couple who lived in Shanghai, an Israeli citizen and her Moroccan husband, according to the Israeli consul in Shanghai, Jackie Eldan. They were visiting his parents in Casablanca and had taken a day trip to Marrakech.
United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton condemned the "cowardly attack" and promised support for Morocco, a steady US ally in the fight against terrorism.
France, Morocco's former colonial ruler, has sent psychologists and extra staff to the consulate in Marrakech, and is helping investigate, French Foreign Ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said yesterday.
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