Morocco Dismantles Suspected Terror Cell, Arrests Ten Individuals
In a significant anti-terror operation, Moroccan authorities have successfully dismantled a suspected terrorist cell, as announced by the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) in a statement released on July 6. This operation resulted in the arrest of ten individuals, and during subsequent searches, investigators uncovered a modified vehicle that could potentially be used for a suicide bombing, alongside various bladed weapons. The investigation is currently under the supervision of the anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office.
The preliminary findings of the investigation suggest that this cell had received direct orders from leaders of the Sahel branch of the Islamic State organization, prompting them to plan attacks within Morocco. While specific target details have not been disclosed, it is evident that preparations were quite advanced. The suspected leader of the cell had begun to assign roles to its members, with some responsible for selecting targets, others for reconnaissance and surveillance, and a third group tasked with procuring necessary materials.
Coordinated Operations Across Multiple Cities
The operation, which took place simultaneously across several cities from north to south Morocco, including notable locations such as Casablanca and Agadir, yielded significant findings. Authorities recovered bladed weapons, military uniforms, and instructional materials for constructing explosive devices. Additionally, they discovered a modified all-terrain vehicle that could be utilized in a terrorist attack, either as a suicide vehicle or a weaponized assault vehicle, as stated in the bureau's announcement. Investigators also seized gas canisters and pressure cookers, some of which were filled with nails, further highlighting the seriousness of the threat posed by this group.
Moroccan authorities frequently announce the dismantling of terrorist cells, with several operations reported each year. The most recent operation prior to this one occurred in April, resulting in the arrest of six individuals. While the scale of these operations varies, the events of July 6 represent a notable discovery of potentially dangerous materials. The last time Moroccan anti-terror services uncovered similarly advanced preparations was in February 2025, when they neutralized a network and discovered a cache of weapons, including ten handguns and two Kalashnikov assault rifles wrapped in newspapers printed in Mali.
Since the devastating 2011 Marrakech bombing, which claimed 17 lives, Morocco has not experienced a major terrorist attack, indicating the effectiveness of its counter-terrorism measures.
As reported by rfi.fr.
