Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
07RABAT657 | 2007-04-14 15:11:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy Rabat |
VZCZCXRO5043 OO RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHKUK RUEHROV DE RUEHRB #0657 1041511 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 141511Z APR 07 FM AMEMBASSY RABAT TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6318 INFO RUEHEE/ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE RUEHCL/AMCONSUL CASABLANCA 2916 |
C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 000657 |
1. (SBU) The DCM convened the Embassy's Emergency Action Committee at 1145 GMT to review information and next steps following the detonation of two suicide bombs near the U.S. Consulate General and the American Language Center in Casablanca at approximately 0900 GMT on April 14. Consul-General Casablanca participated in the EAC by telephone. A summary of the latest information we have obtained follows: 2. (SBU) There are currently no known fatalities or major injuries beyond the two bombers, who are both confirmed dead. The first bomber detonated his device across the street from the U.S. Consulate-General, near the point where visa applicants sometimes queue for screening. Since it was Saturday morning, the consular section was not/not open at the time. There was no damage to the Consulate-General. By midday, authorities were using firehoses to wash away blood and body parts in the immediate vicinity in an effort to restore the appearance of normalcy. 3. (C) LEGAT and RSO are on the scene and liaising with security contacts in Casablanca. They and CONGEN are reviewing security camera footage of the incident, which is being shared with police. Police contacts report their investigation has been expanded to Sidi Moumen, the slum area where the March 11 bombing incident occurred. Police sources indicated they believe the bombers were dropped off by separate vehicles. 4. (C) There are reports that an undetermined number of other persons, possibly with explosives, were arrested at other locations in the vicinity. 5. (SBU) According to the Director of the American Language Center (ALC), the second bomber attempted to enter the ALC, which was open, but was turned away by guards because he did not have a student i.d. He reportedly cursed the guards, crossed the street, and detonated his device. Some of the ALC's mylar-coated windows were cracked. Police sealed the ALC for several hours but were allowing staff and students inside to leave the building by 1200 GMT. The ALC will remain closed for several days pending a security review. 6. (SBU) All USG personnel in Casablanca have been accounted for. USG personnel in Casablanca have been advised to remain home for the time being. The phone tree has been used to notify all U.S. personnel at U.S. Embassy Rabat. 7. (SBU) The Ambassador and Mission officers have been in touch with senior and working level GOM security contacts to request additional protection for USG facilities in Casablanca and Rabat. Boulevard Moulay Yousef, in front of the Consulate-General, has been closed but several perpendicular streets nearby are still open. The streets and square adjacent to the American Language Center have been blocked off. 8. (SBU) The Rabat American School has closed its campus for the rest of the day and tomorrow, Sunday. An inter-city soccer tournament at the Casablanca American school has also been cancelled. The A/RSO is meeting with the Rabat American School Director and police officials to assess security in the area surrounding the school. 9. (SBU) The Mission has distributed a warden message advising AMCITS in Morocco of the latest developments and recommending that all AMCITS review their personal security and remain vigilant. 10. (SBU) The DCM will reconvene the EAC at 1700 GMT to review latest developments and consider further steps. ****************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ****************************************** RILEY |