Spanish Official: Moroccan-Spanish Security Cooperation Crucial in Combating Terrorism and Crime

Doha – Close collaboration between Moroccan and Spanish security services, especially Morocco’s General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), has been instrumental in thwarting potential terrorist attacks in Spain and dismantling criminal networks, according to senior officials from Spain’s Guardia Civil.

In a presentation on Sunday, Lieutenant Colonel Arturo Ortega Navas, chief of the Guardia Civil command in the Spanish enclave of Melilla, stated that joint efforts between the two countries led to the arrest of 405 individuals over the past year, including nine on terrorism charges.

He emphasized the key role played by Morocco’s DGST in securing borders and fighting terrorism.

“This cooperation has helped prevent potential terrorist threats targeting Melilla and surrounding areas,” Ortega Navas stated. “Moroccan security services are considered among Spain’s most important partners in counter-terrorism.”

In addition to counter-terrorism, the Guardia Civil dismantled 11 criminal organizations and seized over 1,800 kg of cannabis, 42 kg of cocaine, and assets worth €9.6 million, underscoring the scale of efforts against transnational crime.

Ortega Navas noted that information sharing between the two countries was crucial to these successes.

Beyond fighting terrorism, Moroccan-Spanish cooperation extends to combating illegal migration networks.

The Guardia Civil chief emphasized that this collaboration aims not only to protect borders but also acts as a “protective shield” against terrorist threats targeting Europe more broadly.

Thanks to joint efforts and intelligence sharing, security services from both nations have foiled multiple terrorist plots and dismantled extremist cells seeking to destabilize the region, Ortega Navas said.

He also pointed out that the training of Moroccan Royal Gendarmerie officers at the Guardia Civil Academy is a part of the process of bolstering ties between the border agencies.

The Guardia Civil’s unit dedicated to intervention swimmers has rescued more than 2,400 people attempting to swim from Morocco to Melilla so far in 2024.

The two countries have intensified security cooperation in recent years, establishing it as a cornerstone for addressing growing terrorist threats, particularly from groups like the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda in North Africa and the Sahel.

Moroccan security services are now seen as essential partners for Spain in strengthening border security and maintaining regional stability.