THE INTERNATIONAL POLICE agency Interpol called the attack on a crowded tourist cafe in Marrakesh a suspected suicide bombing Friday, as the 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 this country’s tourism industry the day after one of the country’s worst terrorist attacks and investigators worked to determine how it was carried out and who was responsible.
The Interior Ministry said in a statement that the death toll was 15, and that seven of the 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 Friday morning, keeping back onlookers who showed up to see the dramatic sight. The explosion ripped off the facade of the Argana cafe, leaving awnings dangling.
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 told the AP 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-Qaeda, and says it has disrupted several plots.
Authorities were struggling to coordinate the response to the attack. Some questioned whether it would prompt a new security crackdown like that after suicide bombings in Casablanca in 2003, or undermine constitutional changes that 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 Marrakesh, leaving their 3-year-old son with his grandparents.
The international Jewish outreach group Lubavitch identified the couple as Messod and Michal Wizman, 32 and 30 respectively.
Visitors gather on the iconic square to watch snake charmers, storytellers, jugglers and local musicians, filling the cafes that ring the edges of the square on the route to the city’s major open-air souk, or market.
Interpol offered its assistance in the investigation, including disaster victim identification specialists and support from terrorism investigators. The Lyon, France-based body said in a statement it offered to issue worldwide “wanted” notices for potential suspects.
Al-Qaeda’s affiliate in North Africa stages regular attacks and kidnappings in neighboring Algeria.
Morocco, however, has been mostly peaceful since it was hit by five simultaneous terrorist bombings in Casablanca in 2003 that killed 33 people.
- AP
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say