Morocco foils terrorist plot with high-level operation
In a large-scale operation, Morocco's Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (CBJI), with the support of the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (GDTS), managed to dismantle a terrorist cell linked to Daesh. This cell was planning to carry out extremely serious attacks in the country, following direct orders from a senior leader of the jihadist group in the Sahel region.
Coordinated intervention in several cities
The Moroccan security forces carried out a series of simultaneous operations in various cities across the country, including Laayoune, Casablanca, Fez, Taounate, Tangier, Azemmour, Guercif, Ouled Teima and Tamesna. As a result, 12 individuals aged between 18 and 40 were arrested, all of them radicalised and sworn to loyalty to Daesh.
Under the supervision of the DGST Special Force, the operatives were strategically deployed with snipers, explosive detection units, specialised canine teams and assault agents. These units intervened with advanced tactics to neutralise any possible threat and minimise risks to the civilian population. In this context, preventive measures were taken such as the evacuation of nearby residents and the use of stun grenades to avoid violent confrontations.
Searches of the suspects' homes revealed the existence of already assembled explosive devices, including four gas canisters modified with nails and chemicals, connected to remote detonation systems via mobile phones. In Tamesna, the agents found a pressure cooker with explosive materials, as well as an arsenal of bladed weapons of different sizes. US dollars, electronic devices, communication equipment, a balaclava and manuscripts detailing potential targets and strategic facilities were also seized.
Elsewhere during the operation, the authorities found binoculars, fake firearms, a mural with the Daesh emblem and key documentation on attack plans.
Links with Daesh leadership in the Sahel
Investigations have revealed that this terrorist cell operated under the direction of a senior Daesh leader in the Sahel region, who was responsible for the organisation's ‘external operations’ committee. This committee not only provided funding and logistical support, but also supplied digital content with tactics for carrying out attacks.
A precise organisational structure has been identified within the cell, with well-defined roles between coordinators, executors and those responsible for funding. The planning included targeted attacks against security forces, economic facilities and foreign targets in Morocco. In addition, the terrorists were found to be contemplating attacks on the environment through arson.
A call for international cooperation
The dismantling of this cell highlights the growing threat posed by regional affiliates of Daesh in Africa, especially in the Sahel. Morocco has alerted its international partners to the resurgence of these threats, emphasising the need for intelligence and security cooperation to curb the spread of terrorism in the region.
Those arrested remain in police custody while investigations continue to determine the full extent of the network and its possible ramifications inside and outside the country. This blow to Daesh reaffirms Morocco's commitment to the fight against terrorism and the protection of its national stability.
