The collaborative efforts between Morocco and Spain in the realm of counterterrorism have garnered significant attention, particularly as outlined by the Spanish news agency EFE. This partnership has proven to be remarkably effective, with data from Morocco's Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) revealing that since 2015, the two nations have successfully arrested a total of 153 individuals linked to terrorism. This impressive figure underscores the importance of bilateral cooperation in tackling the pervasive threat of terrorism.
Since the inception of their collaborative efforts, Morocco and Spain have worked diligently to dismantle over 30 terrorist cells. A recent highlight of this cooperation occurred on March 25, when joint operations led to the arrest of two terror suspects in Tangier, along with their alleged leader in Mallorca. These individuals were reportedly involved in providing logistical and financial support to members of ISIS operating in Somalia, with plans for an imminent attack on Spanish soil. This alarming situation emphasizes the critical nature of continuous intelligence sharing and operational collaboration between the two nations.
According to EFE, Madrid and Rabat engage in systematic exchanges of information concerning 'lone wolf' terrorists and foreign fighters, which has been instrumental in their ongoing counterterrorism efforts. Since 2015, this proactive approach has resulted in the dismantling of more than 30 terrorist cells and the apprehension of 153 suspects, comprising 84 arrests in Spain and 69 in Morocco. While Moroccan security services have indicated they do not have verified intelligence on the presence of Spanish terrorists within ISIS in the Sahel region or Somalia, they have acknowledged that the number of Moroccan nationals involved exceeds 100.
In addition to their counterterrorism initiatives, Morocco and Spain have also united their efforts in combating other forms of organized crime, such as drug trafficking. A recent report from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) highlighted the success of their joint operations, which included six controlled delivery operations with Spanish authorities last year. These operations led to the confiscation of an impressive 55.471 tonnes of cannabis and the arrest of 38 individuals involved in drug trafficking.
In March, representatives from the Spanish police emphasized the strength of their cooperation with Morocco’s General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance, noting that coordination has become a pivotal aspect of their joint counterterrorism operations. This partnership is hailed as a vital element in addressing serious threats to national security for both nations, reinforcing the idea that collaboration across borders is essential in the fight against terrorism and crime.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
