CAIRO Ñ The United States has warned its citizens that they could
come under Islamic insurgency attacks in Morocco.
U.S. officials said new intelligence information gleaned from
interrogations of Al Qaida suspects have disclosed plans to attack Americans
in the North African kingdom. They said Islamic groups linked to Al Qaida
have been discussing ambushes of American motorists and diners.
The U.S. embassy in Rabat has warned Americans of the prospects of a
wave of Islamic attacks. The embassy called on U.S. nationals to avoid
meetings in places frequented by foreigners.
At least 24 people have been arrested in Morocco earlier this month in
connection with a plot to blow up a supermarket in Rabat in a suicide
attack, Middle East Newsline reported. The supermarket, which was not identified, was said to have been
frequented by Americans and other Westerners.
The embassy also called on Americans in Morocco to change their daily
routine and route to work. The Americans were also warned to avoid
restaurants that serve alcohol.
"Be aware of local norms and customs to avoid inadvertently offending
people," the embassy said. "Lower your profile when in public so as not to
attract attention. Avoid heightening levels of risk by reducing your
exposure to places or events that could be considered high value targets for
terrorists."
Officials said the United States has determined that Americans come
under particular threat from the Salafist Jihadiya group. Salafist was said
to have been responsible for the suicide attacks in Casablanca on May 16.
The group was believed to have also embarked on a campaign to attack
Jews
and Westerners in major cities throughout the kingdom. Over the last week,
two Moroccan Jews were killed in street attacks.