On July 7, Morocco announced the successful thwarting of serious terrorist plans that were in advanced stages of preparation, aimed at disrupting public order and jeopardizing the safety of individuals and property. According to the Moroccan news agency MAP, the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) revealed in a statement that the operation, based on intelligence information, led to the arrest of ten terrorists who were acting with logistical coordination and operational support from the terrorist group ISIS in the African Sahel region.
The BCIJ specified that special forces executed simultaneous operations in various cities including Agadir, Tarudant, Casablanca, El Hajeb, Tetuán, Fquih Ben Salah, and Safi, following thorough surveillance and field investigations. This coordinated effort resulted in the arrest of ten suspects, among whom was an individual previously detained under anti-terrorism laws.
The statement indicated that searches conducted during the operation led to the seizure of various items including bladed weapons, military uniforms, extremist manuscripts detailing the manufacturing of explosive devices, as well as digital supports and recordings that contained declarations of loyalty to ISIS and threats of sabotage within Morocco. Authorities also discovered an all-terrain vehicle in a warehouse in the city of Inzegane, which was prepared for potential use in a suicide attack or as a ramming vehicle against sensitive installations, alongside equipment and chemical substances that will undergo technical examination.
Preliminary investigations suggested that the cell members had pledged allegiance to the leader of ISIS and received instructions from officials of its affiliate in the Sahel region to carry out attacks within Morocco. The statement further noted that the members of the cell had divided roles among themselves, including target selection, surveillance, reconnaissance, and procuring the necessary materials to execute their terrorist plans.
The BCIJ confirmed that investigations are ongoing under the supervision of the competent prosecutor's office for terrorism cases, aimed at determining the connections of the detainees and the potential national and international ramifications of the cell. Notably, on March 25, the BCIJ, in cooperation with the General Commission for Information of the Spanish National Police, announced the dismantling of a terrorist cell linked to ISIS comprising three individuals operating between Morocco and Spain.
As reported by sana.sy.
