Khadim Ould Seman, believed to be behind the Israeli Embassy attack 1 February, is thought to be the representative of the Salafist terrorist group in Mauritania, judicial sources said Tuesday. Several alleged Salafists who were placed in custody Monday reportedly admitted to swear allegiance to him, according to the sources. Among those detained are Sidi Ould Sidna and Maarouf Ould Haiba who belong to an alleged group that shot dead four French tourists in late December. The suspects must answer several charges, including criminal conspiracy, committing terrorist attacks, breach of security and illegal arm possession. The Mauritanian islamist terrorists claim to belong to the regional branch of Al Qaeda in the Maghreb. Mauritania has witnessed several attacks blamed on the islamist terrorists over the last six months.
