afrol News, 19 May - The first direct economic consequences of the terrorist attacks against Casablanca are already visible in Morocco's major industry; the tourism trade. Operators from neighbouring Spain are already considering their large investments in Morocco, according to reports.

The Friday terrorist attacks against Casablanca - Morocco's financial capital - killing over 40 persons, have significantly affected the interests of Spanish industrials and investors in Morocco. The symbolic act of bombing the Spanish restaurant 'Casa de España' only increased the fears of the important Spanish community, they were becoming terrorism targets.

According to the Spanish Office of Diplomatic Information (OID), it has now been confirmed that a third Spanish national has died as consequence of the attacks. The other two victims had included one Catalonian business man, sending shockwaves through the Spanish community in Morocco.

Today, Monday, the larger tour operators in the important Spanish market are signalling their first reactions to the terrorist attacks. Morocco and Spanish interests in the country now being a target for international terrorism, tour operators felt obliged to "reconsider" their interests in the neighbouring country.

The Friday attacks on Casablanca included five bombs, detonated at the same time in the 'Casa España', the Belgian consulate, the Israeli Alliance, the Jewish cemetery and one close to Hotel Safir. All bombs detonated in the Arab zone of the city.

Sources in the Moroccan Ministry of Justice already have connected the attacks to a national Islamist group, the 'Assirat al Moustaqim'. Other sources however claim the attacks must have been organised by international terrorism supposedly Al Qaeda.

The attacks supposedly have the aim of destabilising the Moroccan society to produce the downfall of the US-friendly government. Observers see many sign of danger, indicating the terrorists could reach their aims on the long run. Morocco is North Africa's poorest country with a large part of its population unemployed. The government is rapidly losing popular support.

The terrorists already can celebrate their first victory through their strike against the Moroccan tourism industry, the economic sector employing the largest number of Moroccans. Many Western governments already have used the terrorist attacks on Casablanca to advise their citizens against travelling to Morocco. The signs from Spanish investors also should frighten Rabat authorities.

By Pablo Gracia

© afrol News

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