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Rabat – Morocco’s counterterrorism capabilities continue to attract international endorsement.
Strategic advisor to the Commissioner General of the Belgian Federal Police Saad Amrani has described the North African country’s expertise in combating terrorist threats as “unique and distinctive,” particularly in the face of growing challenges from the Sahel region.
Amrani described Morocco’s approach to counterterrorism as standing among the most effective worldwide, combining a careful balance of judicial, social, and religious elements.
His comments come following the recent successful operation by Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) that foiled a “highly dangerous” terrorist plot seeking to undermine the country’s stability.
The operation demonstrated Morocco’s sophisticated intelligence capabilities and led to thwarting a terrorist plan reportedly orchestrated by a prominent ISIS leader in the Sahel region.
The BCIJ’s investigation revealed a logistical support base for weapons and ammunition in a mountainous area intended for the terrorist cell.
BCIJ seized firearms including two Kalashnikov rifles, two shotguns, ten individual handguns of different types, a large quantity of cartridges, and ammunition of different calibers.
Amrani noted that “Unlike some countries, Morocco has addressed the religious aspect of counter-terrorism with intelligence and depth.”
Morocco’s counterterrorism efforts are particularly significant given the mounting terrorist activity in the Sahel region.
According to the Global Terrorism Index, 48 percent of worldwide terrorist attacks occur in the Sahel, positioning Morocco at the frontline of this security challenge due to its geographic location.
Morocco’s success lies in its development of precise knowledge about terrorist movements and distinguished analytical capabilities.
“The collection, processing, and sharing of information are crucial elements in this type of approach,” Amrani added, pointing out that Moroccan agencies have “skillfully managed the challenge of information sharing, achieving tangible results.”
Morocco’s expertise has become increasingly invaluable for international security cooperation. Given its unique experience in successfully handling terrorist threats, Amrani stressed the importance of Morocco sharing its model’s lessons with other countries, particularly European nations.
The ongoing threat in the Sahel remains significant, with radical ideological narratives continuing to serve as primary tools for terrorist groups to expand their operational reach.
“The radical ideological offering remains present and, along with other factors, supports terrorist movements and enables their spread across different operational theaters,” Amrani warned.
BCIJ’s latest operation led to the arrest of 12 suspects aged between 18 and 40 in simultaneous operations in the cities of Laayoune, Casablanca, Fez, Taza, Tangier, Azzemmour, Oulad Teima, and Tamsna on the outskirts of Rabat.
As the Sahel region faces mounting security challenges, Morocco’s comprehensive counterterrorism strategy, combining security measures with social and religious approaches, offers valuable insights for global efforts to combat extremism.
Amrani concluded with a note of caution: “We must remain vigilant and quick in our response to these threats.”
