Death toll in Morocco's terrorist attack rises to 16

[News_Editor]

Death toll in Morocco's terrorist attack rises to 16

2011-04-30 00:52:48 GMT+7 (ICT)

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO (BNO NEWS) -- Authorities on Friday informed that the death toll in the terrorist attack in central Morocco rose to 16 after two died in the hospital due to the severe injuries sustained.

According to the state-run MAP news agency, the investigation is ongoing but preliminary data indicated that the explosion was in fact a terrorist attack and not a gas-related accident as it was initially believed.

"Preliminary investigations conducted by the security services showed that it is a terrorist act resulting from a strong explosion caused by an explosive device," said Interior Minister Taieb Cherqaoui.

From the 16 fatal victims, eleven were foreign nationals while around 20 others are still hospitalized due to injuries in four different medical facilities. Cherqaoui said that so far seven victims have been identified as two Moroccans, two French, two Canadians and one Dutchman.

On Thursday, an explosion rocked a café Argana which is located in Jamaa Lafna square in Marrakech city, one of the most popular tourist destinations of the Northern African country.

Minister Cherqaoui added that the explosive device was remotely detonated which ruled out the theory of a suicide bombing. Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi described the terror attack as 'savage' and 'barbaric'.

On the other hand, the United Nations strongly condemned yesterday’s terrorist attack. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon regretted the use of indiscriminate violence against innocent civilians and added that no political objective justified the act.

"Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," UN Security Council embers said in a statement. "Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed."

United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, also condemned the 'cowardly' attack and reiterated that acts of terrorism cannot be tolerated "wherever and whenever they occur."

"The United States offers our full assistance to the Moroccan government as it works to investigate this attack and bring those accountable to justice," said Clinton. "We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims of this attack and stand with the people of Morocco at this difficult time."

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