Terrorist alert in Morocco

Security in Morocco was tightened this week as Western embassies issued warnings for tourists to exercise vigilance in the face of potential terrorist attacks.

Tourism sites and Western embassies throughout the country increased their security measures and the entire country went on high terrorist alert.

Police, intelligence and military leaders met in Rabat earlier in the week to consider “reliable intelligence information” which suggested terrorist attacks in Morocco may be imminent.

Since 2003 when a suicide bomber struck Casablanca and killed 45 people, Morocco has been on a terrorist alert but this alert was upgraded this week.

Despite the warnings, tourism has been a rapidly growing industry for the country.  The arrival of a number of low cost carriers such as Thomsonfly, Ryanair and easyJet have made the country more accessible to British and European holidaymakers.

The UK’s Foreign office has issued a warning stating that there is a “high risk of terrorism” in Morocco but it has not yet issued any advice regarding evacuation or even staying away.

“Morocco’s scrupulous policing continues to demonstrate its firm commitment to tackling terrorism,” said Steve Diederich, managing director of The Best of Morocco.” We advise customers to remain vigilant and to adopt sensible precautions, just as the British public have in the wake of the recent terrorism scare in the UK.”