The sources said the U.S. military was using Morocco to keep an eye on Libya as
well as Al Qaida's presence in North Africa. They said the two countries
have intensified consultations amid the civil war in Libya, which began in
February.
"There has been a significant expansion in counter-terrorism cooperation
in 2011 with Morocco," the diplomat said.
About 50 U.S. Air Force officers were said to have arrived in Morocco
since February. The sources said the officers were believed to have
brought reconnaissance and other advanced systems to monitor regional
threats, particularly Al Qaida Organization in the Islamic Maghreb.
On April 28, Morocco and the United States concluded defense cooperation
talks in Rabat. A Moroccan military statement said the U.S. delegation,
which included military and Pentagon officials, was headed by Joseph
McMillan, principal deputy assistant defense secretary.
Rabat and Washington have been holding sessions every two years as part
of military cooperation. The Moroccan statement did not provide details of
the talks.
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