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Rabat – Spanish news agency EFE outlined the unique bilateral counterterrorism cooperation between Morocco and Spain.
EFE cited data provided by Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), stating that the cooperation between the two countries has led to the arrest of 153 terrorists in both countries since 2015.
The data further emphasized that cooperation between the two countries’ counterterrorism units has helped dismantle over 30 cells since 2015.
It recalled the latest joint operation on March 25, which enabled the two countries to arrest two terror suspects in Tangier and their alleged leader in Mallorca.
The cell was involved in financing and providing logistical support to ISIS members in Somalia. The suspects were also preparing an attack on Spanish territory.
“Madrid and Rabat systematically exchange information on ‘lone wolves’ terrorists and foreign fighters, enabling operational cooperation that has led, since 2015, to the dismantling of more than 30 cells and the arrest of 153 individuals,” the source added.
The number includes 84 defendants arrested in Spain and another 69 arrested in Morocco.
EFE also cited security services from Morocco, who said they have no confirmed data on the presence of Spanish terrorists within ISIS in the Sahel or Somalia.
They added, however, that the number of Moroccan suspects exceeds 100.
Beyond counterterrorism, the two countries also cooperate to combat other crimes like drug trafficking.
Last year, the annual report from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) said joint operations against drug trafficking last year marked six controlled delivery operations with Spain – leading to the seizure of 55.471 tonnes of cannabis and the arrest of 38 suspects.
In March, Spanish police described cooperation with Morocco’s General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance as strong.
Spain’s police said coordination has become central to joint counterterrorism efforts between the two countries, lauding partnership as key in stopping serious threats to national security on both sides of the Mediterranean.
