Rabat – An individual suspected of disseminating propaganda supporting terrorist groups was arrested in Tangier during a joint anti-terrorist operation conducted by Morocco and Spain, according to a statement by the Spanish Interior Ministry.
The 44-year-old Moroccan-Spanish suspect was presented as a “dangerous member” of Daesh. He was sought by several countries for his propaganda activities for the so-called Islamic State (ISIS).
Three other suspects were also arrested in both Barcelona and Madrid. Two of the suspects are brothers of Moroccan descent who were active in making propaganda for the terrorist organization.
Juan Ignacio Zoido, Spain’s interior minister, has said during an official visit to Morocco in August that “the Moroccan-Spanish security collaboration is invaluable,” and that Morocco is a “friendly country, a partner and alley to Spain in the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking and illegal immigration.”
He added that the close coordination between the two countries in terms of counterterrorism matters allowed authorities to conduct 12 joint operations, which resulted in the arrest of 175 “jihadists.”
As extremist violence has reached alarming levels across the world, Morocco has established itself as a world model of success in fighting against terror acts. Moroccan authorities have dismantled more than 127 terrorist cells since 2002, 51 of which were linked to Daesh.
The kingdom’s security forces have also managed to thwart 350 terrorist attacks during the same period, according to Abdelhak El Khiam, the head of the Central Office for Judicial Investigations (BCIJ).
The BCIJ chief also added that 929 out of 1,664 Moroccan fighters working in terrorist cells in Syria and Iraq are members of Daech, while 100 others are part of the Cham Al Islam movements. Fifty combatants are waging jihad with the Nusra Front.
