Doha – In a joint counter-terrorism operation on Tuesday, Moroccan and Spanish security forces arrested two individuals, one a minor, in the Spanish enclave of Melilla on suspicion of links to jihadist terrorism.
The arrests, carried out by Spain’s National Police with support from Morocco’s General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), involved raids at three sites in the North African city.
The two suspects were detained under the authority of Spain’s National Court and flown to Madrid to face a judge overseeing the case.
Spanish police say the pair will likely face charges related to indoctrination, training and glorifying terrorism. Few other details about the suspects have been released.
The Melilla operation comes on the heels of two other jihadist-related arrests by Spanish police last week.
In separate incidents, Iberian authorities detained one man in Avilés, Asturias for allegedly spreading Islamic State (ISIS) propaganda and calling for attacks, while another was arrested in Itsasondo, Gipuzkoa on suspicion of indoctrination and training for terrorism. The Avilés suspect was remanded to prison last Friday.
Spanish police say they began tracking the individuals earlier this year after detecting a subject aligned with ISIS who was creating and disseminating radical, violent jihadist material on social media.
The ensuing investigation and arrests were conducted under the supervision of Spain’s Central Court of Instruction No. 1 and coordinated with prosecutors.
The operations highlight the ongoing threat posed by jihadist radicalization, often targeting youth, as well as the key role played by online platforms.
Spanish officials have previously warned of terrorist groups using methods like video games to attract and communicate with young recruits.
The North African country’s DGST intelligence service, which aided the operation, has been instrumental in helping Spanish police arrest numerous terrorist suspects in recent years through joint efforts.
The two nations’ counter-terrorism collaboration was praised just last month by Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska as “exceptional and extraordinary.”
Speaking at a security event, he emphasized the shared commitment and trust in jointly tackling threats like organized crime and terrorism, calling such cooperation essential for addressing today’s global challenges.
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