Killers of Moroccan Jew in casablanca belong to Salafia Jihadia, authorities

The killers of Albert Ribibo, a Jewish Moroccan national, who was murdered Thursday in Casablanca, were identified as members of the "Salafia Jihadia" underground radical group, sources close to the investigation said.

The sources said members of the group were arrested while others are still sought by police.

Ribibo was shot down by two hooded persons as he was closing his wood shop in Souk El Korea in downtown Casablanca.

In Meknes (east of Rabat), the police also arrested on Tuesday two people who are allegedly the authors of the murder of another Moroccan Jew, Aferyat Elie, who was deadly stabbed Saturday.

The alleged murderers are R.A., 27, a night watchman, and S.J, 25, a plumber, police sources said, adding that the motive was robbery.

Following the killing last week of two Moroccan Jews, king Mohammed VI expressed to the Moroccan Jewish community "deep sadness and emotion" and assured all Moroccan citizens of Jewish faith of "constant care" reiterating "firm determination to preserve their dignity and to safeguard their rights."