Morocco Has Dismantled Over 200 Terrorist Cells Since 2002

Rabat – Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit reiterated on Wednesday Morocco’s vigilance against terrorism, emphasizing the country’s commitment to a proactive and intelligence-led approach to tackle crimes.

Laftit made the remarks before the House of Representatives during the presentation of the Interior Ministry’s 2026 budget.

Morocco has dismantled over 200 terrorist cells since 2002, recalling the terror cells dismantled in the North African country recently, the minister said.

In addition to this encouraging performance on the home front, Morocco has upheld its commitment to contributing to international security through close cooperation in intelligence sharing via international organizations dedicated to counterterrorism and the fight against organized crime.

“Morocco plays a leading role that has helped thwart several terrorist plots targeting friendly countries,” Laftit said.

The country conducted several counterterrorism operations earlier this year, dismantling ISIS-affiliated cells.

In July,  Morocco’s counterterrorism unit, the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), dismantled a four-member ISIS cell operation between Tetouan and Chefchaouen.

Several months earlier, BCIJ also foiled in February a terrorist plot and arrested 12 extremists as part of a highly dangerous terrorist cell that sought to undermine Morocco’s stability and security.

Morocco made the arrests across different cities, including Laayoune, Casablanca, Fez, Taounate, Tangier, Azemmour, Guercif, and Tamesna near Rabat.

Search operations yielded ready-to-use explosive devices, materials suspected for manufacturing explosives, and knives.

Morocco has also been contributing to international efforts against terrorism.

International partners, including the US, France, and Spain, have long hailed the North African country’s counterterrorism approach.

In August this year, Spanish police announced the arrest of two men for their alleged involvement in terrorism. A security source told Europa Press that the operation took place in cooperation with Morocco’s General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST).

Prior to that critical arrest, Morocco also contributed in May to the operation that led to the arrest of an individual suspected of being affiliated with ISIS in Guadalajara, in central Spain.

In recent years, the annual report of the US Department of State has consistently commended Morocco’s robust counterterrorism efforts. 

The report describes Morocco’s counterterrorism approach as a comprehensive strategy, detailing that it entails vigilant security measures, regional and international cooperation, and effective counter-radicalization policies, aligning closely with US priorities. 

According to the latest iteration of the report, Moroccan law enforcement arrested 56 individuals in 2023 for their involvement in terrorist activities, with many of the arrestees suspected to be linked to ISIS.

The US has been a vital partner in supporting Morocco’s intelligence capabilities, contributing to the country’s successful counterterrorism operations, the report emphasized.

During his presentation on Wednesday, Laftit said Morocco’s experience led to major advances and progress in the field of security in response to terrorist threats and combating organized crime.

Moroccan security services are increasingly relying on new technologies, including the integration of AI into information systems and the digitization of administrative documents and related procedures to keep the country safe, he added.