Rabat – The judicial police in Tarourit, a town in the Oriental region, have arrested a suspect for his alleged involvement in a terrorism plot.
A statement from the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) said today that the arrest occurred on Wednesday based on information the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST) provided to the police.
The suspect worked as a teacher in the Taourirt province. Police searched his home and seized suspicious chemical substances that could be used in the manufacturing of homemade explosives.
Police seized bottles containing hydrochloric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and zinc sulfate among the chemicals found at the suspect’s home. Authorities also found various knives, mobile phones and other electronic devices that have all been sent for evidence and are under investigation.
Preliminary data shows that the suspect also gathered information to learn about the mechanisms and substances used in making explosives, planning to use them for a potential terrorist plot to undermine public order.
Morocco has been carrying out a series of counterterrorism operations, and has arrested thousands of ISIS suspects and those adopting other extremist ideologies.
The operations are part of Morocco’s approach to tackling any threats that could affect the country’s national security.
Several international reports have given positive reviews of Morocco’s counterterrorism approach, including the Country Report on Terrorism by the US State Department.
Morocco serves a prominent role in assisting international partners in tackling and dismantling terror networks, especially those affiliated with ISIS.
Earlier this week, Spanish General Commissioner for Information Javier Antonio Susin Bercero commended Morocco’s intelligence efforts in the fight against terrorism, noting that Madrid has on multiple times avoided dangerous terrorist attacks thanks to reliable intelligence from DGST services.
The North African country has helped Spain on several occasions in dismantling terrorist cells, including high-profile terrorists that sought to undermine the European country’s security.
