Rabat, Morocco - Nine Islamist radicals serving long sentences for involvement in the 2003 Casablanca suicide bombings have escaped from a prison in Kenitra north of the Moroccan capital Rabat, the Justice Ministry said.

The ministry issued a communique after the escape was discovered on Monday morning.

Measures were taken to capture the nine and to determine who was responsible for their getaway, the ministry said.

The Casablanca bombings killed 45 people including 12 bombers.

The string of attacks on May 16, 2003 targeted Western interests including a Spanish and a Jewish-owned restaurant, a Jewish cemetery and the Belgian consulate. (dpa)