In a significant counter-terrorism operation, Moroccan security forces announced on Monday that they successfully thwarted several "terrorist projects" and apprehended ten individuals across seven cities. These suspects are believed to be connected to a cell that has reportedly received support and directives from the Islamic State (Daesh) branch operating in the Sahel region.
The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), which operates under the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), issued a statement indicating that the foiled terrorist plans were aimed at severely undermining public order and endangering the safety of individuals and property.
The BCIJ elaborated that the ten suspects were arrested in various cities throughout the kingdom, as they were allegedly receiving guidance and support from the Daesh affiliate active in the Sahel area. Special forces from the DGST conducted simultaneous operations in cities including Agadir, Taroudant, Tetouan, El Hajeb, Fkih Ben Salah, Casablanca, and Safi.
Among those detained are an individual previously convicted under anti-terrorism laws and a minor. Investigators revealed that the suspects had direct communication with leaders of the Daesh branch in the Sahel and Sahara regions. These leaders purportedly instructed them to remain in Morocco to execute the organization's objectives while postponing their departure to foreign strongholds for a later date.
Search operations led to the seizure of military uniforms, extremist manuscripts detailing the manufacture of explosive devices, as well as digital media and audiovisual content. Notably, investigators recovered two recordings containing the oath of allegiance to Daesh and explicit threats to carry out sabotage attacks within Moroccan territory.
Additionally, authorities confiscated bladed weapons and equipment that the BCIJ stated were intended for the execution of these terrorist projects. In Inzegane, security forces discovered a modified off-road vehicle, which had been altered in an illegal workshop to operate on butane gas. According to the statement, this vehicle was intended for use in a suicide bombing or as a ram-raid vehicle targeting sensitive sites and infrastructures.
The BCIJ confirmed that the investigation, conducted under the supervision of the prosecutor's office handling terrorism cases, resulted in the detention of the adult suspects. Meanwhile, the minor is being subjected to control measures to further explore the connections of the cell with the Daesh branch in the Sahel and Sahara and to assess any potential ramifications at both national and international levels.
The Daesh branch in the Sahel is considered one of the main active components of the organization in West Africa, having claimed or conducted numerous attacks across various countries in the region in recent years. Morocco frequently announces the dismantling of cells suspected of ties to extremist organizations and asserts that its security services have disbanded over 200 terrorist cells since 2003.
As reported by aa.com.tr.
