Morocco tightens security to allay public fears

13/03/2007

Following a suicide bombing in Casablanca on Sunday, the Moroccan government reaffirmed its commitment to fighting terrorism in the country.

By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat -- 13/03/07

[Sarah Touahri] Only the suicide bomber, Abdelfettah Raydi, was killed.

After a terrorist attack at an Internet cafe in Casablanca killed one person and injured four others Sunday (March 11th), many expressed relief at the "limited effects" of the blast. Only the suicide bomber, Abdelfettah Raydi, was killed. An accomplice, identified as Youssef Khoudri, was arrested fleeing the scene. Three others were taken to the hospital for minor injuries. The attack was conducted in Casablanca’s residential district of Sidi Moumen, home to the May 16, 2003, bombers. Officials announced Monday that the Internet café was not the intended target, and that the young men were likely trying to make contact with their terrorist cell when the blast occurred.

Following the attack, Communication Minister Nabil Ben Abdellah told Magharebia that what happened in Casablanca was "fortunately limited", adding that the terrorists had "other objectives". He said his government would continue to fight terrorism with "vigilance and determination" by dismantling terrorist cells and collaborating with the international community.

Ben Abdellah explained that in light of terrorist activities in the Maghreb, and available information on the terrorist threat faced by the region, the government has decided to boost its presence on the ground and increase surveillance in an effort to prevent any activities likely to threaten public safety or property. Checks will be stepped up at transit points and borders, while people and groups suspected of having links with extremist groups will be put under closer surveillance.

The country's security services have been increasing their public presence throughout the country in recent weeks. Police are visible everywhere, on all major streets. Even parking attendants have been ordered to inform the police if they see any suspicious behaviour.

Since February 24th, the security services have been pursuing two men named Mohamed Bakali and Mohamed Agbalou who are suspected of links with terrorist groups, in particular Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Measures taken by the Moroccan authorities to tackle religious extremism since the May 16, 2003, attacks in Casablanca have led to the dismantling of a number of radical groups and prosecutions for terrorism-related offences.