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Rabat – Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) dismantled a four-member ISIS cell operating between Tetouan and Chefchaouen today.
The suspects, aged 20 and 27, pledged allegiance to the emir of ISIS, a statement from BCIJ said, noting that upon a search of the suspect’ homes they seized a handwritten and video pledge of allegiance declared by members of the dismantled cell.
In addition, security services seized several pieces of equipment, including two pistols, various electronics, and a rifle – all of which will undergo digital forensic analysis.
BCIJ, which works under Morocco’s General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), stated that its investigation revealed that the terrorist cell was preparing to execute ISIS’s agenda aimed at undermining the country’s security.
“The suspects had begun preparing to carry out their plot by conducting field tests in a mountainous area near Tetouan, to manufacture explosive devices,” the statement said.
The BCIJ put all the suspects in custody for further investigation to uncover all the terrorist plots and potential links to the cell.
The security operation is part of Morocco’s comprehensive counterterrorism approach.
The case mirrors a similar incident last month, in which BCIJ arrested a 21-year old woman linked to ISIS.
The suspect was pursuing her studies at a technical institute in Rabat and was allegedly preparing an attack that posed a serious threat to public safety.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the young woman had already begun acquiring skills in making bombs and toxic substances, and had secured materials believed to be intended for use in an imminent terror operation.
