Terrifying hint that Americans visiting popular sun spot are at high risk of terror attacks
American tourists planning to take a trip to Morocco have been warned to 'exercise increased caution due to terrorism' currently blighting the popular sun spot.
The US State Department updated its travel advisory for the North African nation this week to a level two out of four danger level.
'Exercise increased caution in Morocco due to terrorism,' the warning reads. 'Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Morocco.
'Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and local government facilities.'
Level two is just above the level one threat level, which means tourists can travel without any special precautions, and below level three, when Americans are warned to 'reconsider travel' to a destination.
The State Department has advised travelers to stay alert in tourist spots, avoid demonstrations and crowds, and prepare a plan for emergency situations.
Several resources are listed on the State Department website for tips on how to stay safe if you are traveling to the country in the coming weeks, including making an effort to 'travel in pairs and avoid walking alone at night', especially women.
'Drink in moderation, maintain control over drinks, and never accept drinks from strangers,' the warning adds. 'Avoid being out alone and during late-night or early morning hours. At night, avoid areas that are poorly lighted or secluded.'
American tourists planning to take a trip to Morocco have been warned to 'exercise increased caution due to terrorism' in the popular sun spot. (Pictured: Marrakech, Morocco)
The US State Department, headed up by Marco Rubio (pictured) updated its travel advisory for the North African nation this week to a level two out of four danger level
Located between Algeria and the Western Sahara, Morocco attracts millions of visitors each year, including hundreds of thousands of Americans.
Some 330,000 Americans visited the balmy coastal nation in 2023, according to the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism.
In a security report for Morocco, the US State Department designated the capital city of Rabat and popular tourist destination of Casablanca as 'medium-threat locations for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests'.
The danger stems from ISIS-linked Moroccan nationals who have traveled to conflict zones including Syria, Iraq and Libya to fight alongside extremist groups, who then return to their home country and pose a risk to tourists.
'Moroccan security services are aware of the potential danger these individuals may pose and have gone to great lengths to intercept them at international border crossings' and many have been detained, the State Department said.
However, 'credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Morocco' per the report.
'Establishments that could be perceived as catering to U.S. or Western visitors or those owned by Western companies could be potential targets for terrorism,' the report reads.
'Visitors should remain particularly alert and informed during periods of heightened tension in the country and the region.'
American tourists planning to take a trip to Morocco have been warned to 'exercise increased caution due to terrorism' in the popular sun spot. (Pictured: Tangier, Morocco)
The State Department has advised travelers to stay alert in tourist spots, avoid demonstrations and crowds, and prepare a plan for emergency situations. (Pictured: Casablanca, Morocco)
Another source of tension in the region has been the Israel-Hamas conflict, which remains a 'significant trigger' for mass demonstrations in Morocco.
'Avoid demonstrations if possible. If caught in a demonstration, remain calm and move away immediately when provided the opportunity,' the advisory says.
It adds that anyone traveling into remote areas in Morocco should use a licensed and accredited guide and be prepared to check in and out of remote checkpoints by presenting their passport.
In December 2023, two British tourists were stabbed in the back and legs alongside a third victim in a tourist spot in Morocco.
The knifeman ran into the sea and attempted to thwart his arrest by swimming away from the scene in the resort of Agadir before being caught and taken into custody.
Spanish newspaper La Razon reported that police were investigating whether the horror incident was terrorist-related.
In 2018, two Scandinavian tourists were slaughtered by a 'lone wolf, hastily organized terrorist cell' who travelled to the village of Imlil in Morocco knowing it was popular with foreign hikers.
Moroccan police arrested 19 people over the murders of Louisa Vesterager Jespersen, 24, from Denmark, and Maren Ueland, 28, of Norway.
At a press conference in the country's capital, Rabat, domestic intelligence spokesman Boubker Sabik labelled the suspects 'lone wolves'.
