Rabat – After the heinous Imlil murders, authorities in the region of Marrakech-Safi took preventive measures to protect the region’s tourism sector. After the installation of checkpoints and surveillance cameras, gendarmerie officers are now equipped with quads.
Local authorities continue to strengthen the preventive measures in order to avoid any incidents similar to the murder of the two Scandinavian tourists in Imlil. They have undertaken concrete action to protect tour groups throughout their travels in Morocco.
On July 22, the Royal Gendarmerie provided quads to its units and its mobile officers.
The vehicles are intended to monitor tourists during their visit to the Marrakech-Safi region, known for a large tourist influx throughout the year. These quads have several features which allow them to navigate the varied terrain of the region consisting mainly of lanes and steep valleys, as well as dangerous mountain roads.
According to Al Ahdath Al Maghribia, the quads are expected to be used across tourist-friendly valleys and ski resorts such as Ourika, Oukeimeden, Asni, Moulay Brahim and Imlil.
These security measures were substantially strengthened in the wake of the Imlil murders. In December 2018, two young Scandinavian tourists were victims of a terrorist cell affiliated with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The two hikers, Louisa Vesterager and Maren Ueland, had camped in “Chamharouch” near the village of Imlil. The two women were beheaded by three extremists who have recently been sentenced to death.
The remaining 21 accomplices have been sentenced to between 5 and 30 years in prison.
