Morocco dismantles a terrorist cell in Tiznit and Sidi Slimane

The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations of the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) has successfully arrested four extremist members aged between 22 and 44 who were operating for the Daesh terrorist group in the cities of Tiznit and Sidi Slimane. This operation is part of the Moroccan administration's ongoing efforts to maintain security within the national territory. 

The arrest was made on the basis of a report issued by the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN), which indicated the position of the suspected terrorists who were held by members of the Special Force of the Rapid Intervention Squad. Half a hundred suspected terrorists are the total number arrested by Morocco this year. 21 of them were active members of al-Qaeda. 

The DGSN report points out that the evidence on the basis of which the investigation began was the discovery of material for the creation of explosives and bladed weapons. The same source showed that searches of the suspects' homes led to the seizure of paramilitary items, including tactical waistcoats, helmets, telescopic goggles, masks and a variety of electronic devices, as well as extremist manuscripts. 

Preliminary investigation data showed that members of this terrorist organisation were involved in suspicious operations to obtain the financial resources and logistical support necessary for the preparation of the implementation of terrorist projects. 

The report notes that the suspects held in this terrorist cell were kept in custody pending a preliminary investigation under the supervision of the Public Prosecutor's Office, which deals with terrorism cases, and were arrested to check all their plans and terrorist projects and to identify all possible connections and extensions of this terrorist organisation. 

Morocco has developed an effective and comprehensive strategy to combat terror and become an international partner. Following the 2003 attacks, with the tragic attack in Casablanca, the country consolidated security measures and introduced an integrated approach to police actions, judicial reforms, preventive initiatives and international cooperation. At the heart of this strategy is the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), established in 2015. 

The Moroccan country focused its strategy on five fundamental pillars: controlling arrival routes to Europe, maintaining and promoting stability in the region, maintaining close international partnerships, preventing radicalisation and activating systems such as the BCIJ and the DGSN, which are in charge of national security. 

Abdellatif Hammouchi, the director general of the DGSN and DGST, plays an important role in the latter strategy. Under his leadership, the country has intensified its counter-terrorism efforts more than ever before in its recent history. Among his main achievements is the holding of the African Lion, which are important military manoeuvres that Morocco carries out jointly with other countries.  

Since 2017, the Moroccan government has launched several programmes for the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant terrorists, offering workshops, recruitment and counselling to help them acquire skills that promote social and economic integration. In seven years, more than 300 prisoners have benefited. But the fight against terrorism does not stop. 

In the last 10 ah years, Morocco has stopped more than 100 terrorist cells, mostly belonging to Daesh.

International cooperation is another key pillar of the North African country's counter-terrorism strategy. Morocco cooperates closely with organisations such as Interpol and Europol and maintains strategic alliances with countries such as the United States, Spain and France. 

This cooperation was very important in breaking down attack prevention and separating terrorist networks around the world. In addition, Morocco also collaborates with the US CIA and the French DGSI, two of the most important counter-terrorism bodies in the world. 

Morocco's geographic and geopolitical position is good in economic terms, but even better in terms of its importance for national and EU security. Morocco's protection against the entry of terrorists from the Sahel region and the Middle East is of paramount importance to the security of the entire world. 

Its role as a barrier and collaborator and partner of the countries leading the fight against terrorism (the United States, France, the United Kingdom and Spain) is crucial. Europe's security and safety in large part comes from Rabat's stringent fight against radical terrorism. The importance of counter-terrorism is framed by the crucial protection of the Atlantic outlet that the governments of countries such as Russia, China, Iran and Algeria crave.