Morocco steps up security after Tunisia massacre

HOLIDAY resorts in #Morocco are reportedly being swamped with armed police as the country goes on high alert after last month’s beach massacre in Tunisia. The North African country’s security services have also stepped up surveillance of domestic militant cells, The Times reports.

A recent anti-terror raid was directed at a nine-member Isis cell operating in northern cities, the interior ministry said. The group had allegedly been recruiting fighters to Syria and made explosives and chemical materials for attacks on home soil.

‘No organized networks can develop here in Morocco because we dismantle them before they can get anywhere,’ said Mustapha El Khalfi, a government official. ‘Last summer, authorities launched the Vigilance programme, which means we have posted many more military police at main tourist places and in front of airports. It follows a comprehensive plan we have developed since 2004 of religious reform, security measures, and fighting extremist ideas.”

Tourism has increased by at least 8% since 2010 and accounts for 9% of Morocco’s gross domestic product. More than 500,000 British tourists visit the country every year, the second largest group of visitors after the French.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: Maroc Essaouira Luc Viatour 4 by I, Luc Viatour. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons