Spanish judge links Casablanca and Madrid terrorist attacks to Al-Qaeda global strategy
Morocco-Spain, Local, 2/12/2005

The Spanish judge investigating the terrorist attacks of March 11, 2004 in Madrid, Juan Del Olmo, concluded that they are identical to the attacks of Riyadh and Casablanca (12 and 16 May 2003) and were conducted by terrorists linked to Al-Qaeeda.

The Spanish judge who has been conducting his investigation for 11 months was quoted by Spanish daily "El Pais," as saying the genesis of these attacks is practically the same, with the minor difference that in the case of Madrid, the operations were conducted by semi-autochthonous terrorists united by their hatred of Spain and the West.

He also ascribed the Madrid attacks to Spain's involvement in Iraq.

He further cited other similarities such as the use of explosive devices, Islamic extremist cells of nationals linked to foreign countries, simultaneous and coordinated attacks, suicide actions and basic goals.

For the judge, other elements that lead to the conclusion that authors are linked to Al-Qaeeda include the operation mode, and the influence of the Islamic extremist ideology.

Regarding the suicide factor, he said seven persons gave themselves death on April 3 as they were circled by the police, while as regards the ideology influence, he pointed out that the investigation has revealed the existence of a group of persons imbued with the Islamic extremist ideology and belonging to the "Salafiya Jihadia" which believes in Al-Qaeeda vision.

The three groups also have direct links with an Al-Qaeeda cell dismantled in November 2001 in Spain, says the Spanish judge.

Previous Stories:
  Spanish justice indicts two new suspects in Madrid attacks   (2/11/2005)
  Spain arrests a Moroccan in connection with Madrid attacks   (2/5/2005)
  Moroccan arrested in Madrid over links with Madrid bombings   (2/4/2005)

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