Islamist attempts suicide attack in Morocco-sources

RABAT, Aug 13 (Reuters) A suspected radical Islamist today tried to blow up himself near a bus carrying tourists in the Moroccan city of Meknes, but he detonated the gas cylinder he was carrying before reaching it, police sources said.

''The gas cylinder exploded some metres (yards) from the bus and badly injured the attacker,'' said one police source.

Another source said authorities suspected the bomber was a member of the radical Islamist Jihadia group.

The attacker, thought to be in his 30s, was seriously wounded and fighting for his life in hospital, where he was in a coma, the sources added.

''He was carrying the gas cylinder with his left hand. The explosion tore off his left hand and he fell on the ground,'' an eyewitness told Reuters by telephone from the scene.

''He raised the index finger of his right hand in a signal he was asking God to accept him as a martyr,'' he added.

Morocco has been on high alert since 2003 when suicide bombings killed 45 people in Casablanca, and boosted security after seven suicide bombers blew themselves up in the same city in March and April this year, killing themselves and a police officer.

Police have arrested scores of suspected radical Islamists in the past six months.

''That crackdown has put terrorists on the defensive and upset their plans and forced them to commit desperate acts like this one,'' a third source said.

In June, Morocco raised its security alert to its highest level, and the following month al Qaeda's North Africa wing said it was planning a violent campaign against ''infidels'' in the region and government forces.

The wing urged Muslims to stay away from possible targets.

Today's attempted attack occured at Sahat Lahdim square, a favourite spot for tourists in Meknes. The official news agency MAP reported that police were hunting two suspects with possible links to the attack.

Reuters SBA VP0200