Rabat – Police in Tetouan arrested a 26-year-old ISIS supporter on Wednesday, based on precise intelligence from the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST).
A statement from Morocco’s counterterrorism unit, the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), said the individual was preparing an imminent and highly dangerous attack aimed at seriously undermining public order.
During the arrest, police seized a large bladed weapon in the suspect’s possession. According to the BCIJ statement, the suspect reportedly intended to use it in carrying out his terrorist plans.
“The individual had drawn attention by disseminating content related to terrorist operations carried out by ISIS through media platforms,” the statement said.
Police also seized a flag associated with the terrorist organization at the suspect’s house. The suspect is now in custody pending further investigation to identify all terrorist projects attributed to him, and to determine any potential connections within Morocco and abroad.
Earlier this month, Minister of Interior Abdelouafi Laftit said Morocco has dismantled over 200 terrorist cells since 2002.
“Morocco plays a leading role that has helped thwart several terrorist plots targeting friendly countries,” Laftit said.
BCIJ and other Moroccan security services have teamed up throughout the year to address terrorism threats.
In July, BCIJ dismantled a four-member ISIS cell operation between Tetouan and Chefchaouen.
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.
BCIJ services 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.
