More on the Bad Guy roundup...
Agents detained "several dozen" militants in Casablanca, Fez and Tangiers on suspicion that at least two Moroccan Islamic groups were behind Friday's five near-simultaneous attacks, officials said. "The judicial police, ... as in any democratic country struck by blind terrorism, are continuing their operations against the networks that are already known by our services," a security official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. It was not clear exactly how many people were detained in the raids, which began Saturday.
| "Right now the figure we're working with is 'a whole bunch.'" |
An Interior Ministry official said on condition of anonymity that police were trying to determine what, if any, role was played by the group Salafi Jihad, which is believed to be tied to al-Qaida. Another Moroccan group suspected in the attack is the Takfir wal Hijra, the security official said.
| Salafi Jihad popped to mind to me, too. I haven't heard of the second bunch... |
Salafia Jihadia has been subject to police sweeps for months. About 100 people found to have ties with it were in custody as recently as March, including a suspected leader known for fiery sermons and anti-Western views. Five "groups of kamikazes" — 14 attackers in all — carried out the attacks Friday, Interior Minister Mostapha Sahel said. The one surviving bomber was being questioned. Sahel said a bomb was found at his house.
| That sounds like it should be a very painful experience. I hope it is... |
About 100 people were injured, 14 seriously, Sahel said. "We have strong suspicions that this cell had contacts with foreign groups," Sahel said, though he also said the attackers were apparently all Moroccans. |