RABAT,
April 10, 2005 (IslamOnline.net) – The US is reportedly building a
permanent military base in Morocco, despite American assertions that
its forces are only on humanitarian mission in the North African
country.
“Rabat
has already given Washington the go-ahead to construct the base in
Tan-Tan,” well-kept Moroccan sources told IslamOnline.net on Sunday,
April 10, on condition of anonymity.
The
site was chosen to host the American base due to its proximity to a
harbor on the Atlantic Ocean, which will facilitate the delivery of
military provisions and reinforcements, they added.
“The
city is also located near the Western Sahara, seen by Washington as a
hotbed for fleeing Al-Qaeda members,” the sources said.
Moroccan,
European and American newspapers have been reporting on the ongoing
construction of the American base in Tan-Tan.
They
believe that Washington is trying to undermine the French military
presence in Africa and protect untapped oil resources in the
continent.
The
Moroccan weekly Al-Sahifa said on April 6 that construction
works are in full swing in Tan-Tan under watertight security measures.
It
added that the area, which used to be a tourist hub, has almost turned
into military barracks.
The
Spanish ABC newspaper earlier said the base will be a transit
for American forces in the Middle East.
Humanitarian
Mission
Washington
was quick to deny the reports on the construction of a military base
in the Arab-African country.
Col.
Brandi Kerne, the commander of the US forces in Morocco, ruled out any
intention to build a base in the area.
He
said on April 8 that American forces will leave the country after the
end of the joint military drills, scheduled for April 1-10.
On
April 5, a representative of the US embassy in Morocco told reporters
the marines were carrying out humanitarian projects in the county.
Local
Moroccan authorities earlier said the Americans were building five
school classes in Tan-Tan.
The
state-run news agency also spoke of the humanitarian nature of the
marines’ mission.
Inconceivable
Local
residents in Tan-Tan have, however, ridiculed the claims that US
troops are only serving humanitarian purposes.
“Is
it conceivable that American troops have been staying here for months
only to build four classrooms and distribute school stationery among
children?” Ahmed Ismail, an employee in Tan-Tan, asked.
“Even
if this was true, would it take US soldiers the whole summer to build
the classrooms!”
The
New York Times reported on July 5, 2003, that the US
military wants to expand its presence in Africa, where it sees
potential havens for alleged terrorist groups.
The
Pentagon is seeking to enhance ties with allies like Morocco and
Tunisia, gain long-term access to bases in Mali and Algeria and build
on aircraft refueling agreements with Senegal and Uganda, the US daily
said.
