Rabat – Morocco’s judicial police arrested on Tuesday an ISIS-affiliated extremist, according to the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ).
The arrest followed information from the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), it added. Initial findings indicate the suspect had expressed the intention to carry out terrorist plans seeking to undermine Morocco’s safety and public order.
Police also seized electronic devices, bladed weapons of different sizes, as well as paramilitary clothing at the hideout of the 22-year-old suspect. They then proceeded to put the arrestee in custody before transferring him to the BCIJ for further judicial investigations.
This comes as Morocco intensifies efforts to tackle domestic, regional, and international terrorism threats. Moroccan security services’ vigilance against terrorism has helped dismantle over 200 terrorist cells across the country since 2002.
The North African kingdom has conducted several counterterrorism operations throughout the years.
In July 2025, BCIJ dismantled a four-member ISIS cell operation between Tetouan and Chefchaouen.
BCIK also foiled in February of the same year a terrorist plot, arresting 12 extremists as part of a highly dangerous terrorist cell that sought to undermine Morocco’s stability and security.
Rabat also contributes significantly to international counterterrorism efforts, helping partners like the US, France, and Spain in large-scale operations against extremism and terrorism.
Over the past few years, the US Department of State has repeatedly commended Morocco’s anti-terrorism approach in its annual reports, describing the Moroccan approach as comprehensive, effective, and in line with US security priorities in the Sahel and Africa in general.
