News Information for those in Morocco or those entering Morocco

[aicha 0]

This is a message I received in my e-mail today from the Consulate in Casablanca, Morocco. I am posting this for those members who are in Morocco or are planning a trip here. Right now the Consulate is closed to any public services due to the recent events of terrorist activities here - In the beginning of March there was a suicide bombing that took place in a cyber cafe in Casablanca - since then there has been 31 arrests. Here is the most recent article that was just posted about one hour ago: Below that article you will find the warden message as well. Please be careful in your travel plans and tell our spouse to stay safe as well.

NEWS AFRICA

Suicide blasts rock Casablanca

Three bombers blew themselves up and one was shot after a police raid [AFP]

A third man has blown himself up in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, police sources said late on Tuesday. The blast came after police raided an apartment building in the el Fida neighbourhood before dawn on Tuesday, searching for four people suspected of planning to carry out a series of suicide attacks. One suspect blew himself up during the raid and another was shot dead as he attempted to detonate 4kg of explosives he was carrying, officials said. Two suspects escaped, one of them blowing himself up near the scene later, killing one police officer and seriously wounding another. A 7-year-old child was also hurt in that blast. Police cordoned off the area, erecting metal barriers to find the fourth suspect. But he appeared to have deliberately targeted the police, injuring five of them and 14 other people, a policeman at the scene said. "He sneaked through the police cordon and then elbowed his way through a crowd of onlookers and journalists to move close to a cluster of policemen where he blew himself up," the policeman said. Al Jazeera has learnt that Moroccan police were pursuing the men on suspicion of involvement in a suicide attack on an internet cafe on March 11. A man carrying explosives was killed in that attack. An accomplice and three customers in the cafe were also injured. Thirty-one people have been arrested since the March 11 attack. Police sources said they believed the suspects had started wearing explosives belts all the time to prevent security forces from taking them alive. Investigations into the internet cafe blast led police to suspected plots to attack ships in Casablanca's port, police stations and tourist sites in Morocco. An interior ministry official told The Associated Press news agency that the two men killed in the dawn raid were also being sought in connection with suicide bombings in the city in 2003 which left 45 people dead.

(End of Article)

Warden Message

April 10, 2007

As noted in the November 20, 2006 Public Announcement for the Middle East and North Africa, there are ongoing security concerns in the region. Further to the November Public Announcement and the February 9, 2007 warden message issued by the Consulate General, U.S. citizens in Morocco are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

Following an April 10 incident in Casablanca during which Moroccan police confronted three potential terrorists in a residential neighborhood, the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca temporarily suspended services to the public. The potential for violence against American interests and citizens and other Western targets remains high in Morocco and the Consulate General encourages Americans in Morocco to remain vigilant regarding their personal security. Moroccan authorities continue to disrupt groups seeking to attack U.S.- or Western-affiliated targets and arrest individuals associated with international terrorist groups. Establishments which are readily identifiable with the United States are potential targets for attacks. These may include facilities where US citizens and other foreigners congregate, including clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, movie theaters and other public areas. Such targets may also include establishments where activities occur that may offend religious sensitivities, such as casinos or places where alcoholic beverages are sold or consumed. Due to varying degrees of security at all such locations, Americans should be particularly vigilant when visiting these establishments.

While in Morocco, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and maintain a low profile. All U.S. citizens are urged to consider seriously their personal security and to take those measures they deem appropriate to ensure their well-being. Report any suspicious incidents or problems immediately to Moroccan authorities and the U.S. Embassy in Rabat or the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca.

The U.S. Department of State encourages all American citizens residing in Morocco to register their presence and obtain up-to-date information on security conditions at the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca at 8 Blvd. Moulay Youssef, Telephone: 022-43-05-78. After hours, please call 022-26-45-50 or 061-17-23-67. Information is also available on our website at: http://casablanca.usconsulate.gov/warden_information.html

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet website at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, and other Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

[Jenn! 918]

Thanks for the info! My brother-in-law had his tourist visa interview schedued for tomorrow. I guess I'll check out the website to see what to do.....

[sereia 0]

oh man i hope this won't affect my upcoming interview and visa

[Visa4habibi! 0]

Well, as I can see now, I've picked a perfect time to go to Morocco. I'm getting a djleba and not coming out of it!!! My husband would be so happy about that!

[balmytigeress 0]

How lovely...for anyone else with visa business in Morocco, I hope this doesn't slow us down much. I had bad imaginings of something happening to halt the progress, something perhaps with politics or security. Insh'Allah just my imagination; that this only effects travelers.... And if you are a traveler, stay safe. I wonder what it will be like May 10?

BT

Edited April 11, 2007 by balmytigeress

[aicha 0]

Thanks for the info! My brother-in-law had his tourist visa interview schedued for tomorrow. I guess I'll check out the website to see what to do.....

You are very welcome - things are escalating here and in Algeria - please track news through aljazeera.net, it will come up in arabic, but there is a link to click on for english. My prayers are with you and yours!