Free Preview of Members-Only Content
To view the requested intelligence, you must be a Stratfor.com member.
The U.S. Consulate in Casablanca, Morocco, remained closed April 17 while steps were taken to further improve security in light of the recent round of suicide attacks in Morocco and Algeria. The poor tactics and inadequate planning employed in the attacks indicate that militants operating in Casablanca have been affected by the Moroccan government's security crackdown.
The two attacks near the U.S. Consulate were the latest in a recent bout of bombings in Morocco and Algeria that have prompted heightened security and crackdowns in those countries. In Morocco, the investigations and crackdowns have led to dozens of arrests. This might have damaged the militants' organizations by taking experienced operational commanders and bombmakers out of circulation, leaving less-experienced foot soldiers to carry out any attacks.
The first blast occurred at about 9:15 a.m. local time near the U.S. Consulate and a synagogue. It is unclear whether either was the intended target. The explosion was caught on the consulate's security tape, which showed the bomber approach a guard and a marked police cruiser before detonating his explosives. The bomber reportedly asked the guard for access to the facility, but set off his bomb when challenged.
The second blast occurred moments later a few yards away near the entrance to the Dar America cultural center, where English classes are offered, possibly after the bomber realized police had spotted him. Only the two bombers died, though one woman was injured; a third suspect fled the scene. Police later apprehended the third man and recovered a suicide belt he abandoned near the scene of the bombings.
| Stratfor Members, please log in at the top left hand corner |
