MOROCCO: Explosion kills 14 at cafe frequented by tourists

An explosion Thursday at a cafe frequented by tourists in Morocco killed at least 14 people and injured 20 people, the North African nation's official news agency reported.

Preliminary results of the investigation into the explosion at the Cafe Argana in Marrakech, a major tourist destination, show that it was a "criminal act," said a statement by the Interior Ministry cited by the official MAP news agency.

Amateur video footage of the aftermath of the blast (above) showed the cafe's elegant facade crumpled by the impact of the blast. An emergency vehicle stands nearby. 

A photojournalist employed by Reuters described rescue workers removing mangled bodies from the wreckage, according to the news agency.

There was no word on the identity of the victims at the cafe, described by Lonely Planet as one of the places in Marrakech where locals and foreigners mingle. 

-- Borzou Daragahi in Beirut

Video: The aftermath of a bombing in Marrakech on Thursday. Credit: YouTube

Comments

[Sarastollings]

The clear purpose of the bombing is to cripple Morocco's tourist trade, so by staying away, people will be giving support and encouragement to the bombers..http://bit.ly/j1AsjK

[Usanyway]

My thoughts and prayers to those devastated by such evil crimes. Morocco is a beautiful country, and I love all the humble people I've met there. I remember Hillary Clinton's stay there after invited by the King during a difficult time in her life. We must all overcome these terrible times that falls upon us by warmongers who try hard to instill fear and ideas to create a common enemy. Collecting huge sums of money into their offshore accounts. It's alarming how people easily give up their better side of themselves just to embrace an "easy answer" to all. "To Hate" is so Easy. And most unfortunately, nowadays, that's what most like to give into. I am sorry for some of these people that are intensely negative. There's good and bad everywhere. God bless!

[Reviving the Knights Templar may be necessary]

Yet another gift from the "religion of peace". I know that the majority of Muslims are peaceful and just want to live their lives, but WHERE is the outrage and condemnation from your religious leaders?