Two individuals linked to Daesh arrested in Morocco and Spain for terrorist plots in Europe
Moroccan and Spanish authorities have arrested on Wednesday two individuals linked to jihadists affiliated with Daesh (Islamic State) in Syria. The detainees were based in the towns of Nador (Morocco) and Lleida (Spain).
According to sources close to the Guardia Civil investigation, the prisoners were planning to carry out terrorist actions in Europe in the near future. This fact led to their immediate arrest by the authorities.
The operation was carried out jointly by the Spanish Guardia Civil and the Directorate General of National Territory Surveillance (DGST), Morocco's internal intelligence agency, according to a statement issued by the Moroccan service. According to the statement to El Español, "ongoing security coordination between the two services revealed that the two suspects were in contact with elements of the Islamic State in Syria, preparing to carry out terrorist operations in Europe".
The statement also said that the detainees were following the instructions of Islamic State leaders and were in contact with a human trafficking network to obtain false identity documents, which would be used in their terrorist plans.
The individual arrested in Nador has been taken into custody, according to the DGST, and will be under the supervision of the Public Prosecutor's Office in charge of terrorism cases; while, as sources from the Guardia Civil have informed Europa Press, the individual arrested in Lleida will be brought before the National Court this Friday.
The DGST stresses that "this joint operation once again highlights the importance of security and intelligence cooperation in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism between the Kingdom of Morocco and its allies".
Daesh
Daesh's desire to establish an Islamic State transcends the territory they ruled between 2014 and 2019. Their ambition extends globally, with a priority focus on territories where the Muslim community has been present since the earliest expansions of Islam, ranging from Spain to Indonesia. For Daesh, national borders are considered Western impositions, mere human creations and not divine.
As reported by Geopol21, the terrorist group considers the role of its various affiliates, known as 'wilayat', recognised by the group's parent company, to be crucial. These branches spread across different territories in Africa and Asia, with the long-term goal of establishing a state that would rule all areas of the Muslim world.
In Daesh's rhetoric, the figure of a new leader takes on great importance, as, according to its distorted discourse, such a leader is the one true world ruler to whom all Muslims must submit. Those who do not share these beliefs are to be considered apostates and enemies of Islam.
Unlike al-Qaeda, Daesh aspires to rule a truly global Caliphate, where its leader becomes the legitimate ruler of the Islamic world, without leaving the post vacant. Meanwhile, al-Qaeda presents itself as a vanguard for the expansion of Islam, but its leader does not necessarily see himself as the ruler of the Islamic community.
Moreover, Daesh urges its followers to carry out attacks wherever possible and using any means at their disposal, be it stabbings, assaults or the use of weapons.