Rabat – Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ) has dismantled a four-member terror cell in Taza, 120 kilometers east of Fez.
Morocco’s Ministry of Interior announced that the extremist terror cell is led by a former terrorist who was active in conflict zones in Iraq and Syria.
The ministry said that the four suspects were aged 27 to 40.
The leader of the terror cell planned to use his experience in the conflict zones to plot terror attacks against sensitive institutions across Morocco, according to the ministry.
He is also believed to have contributed to the recruitment of the other suspects.
One of the suspects “contributed to financing the operation allowing some Moroccan fighters to join the cell,” the statement noted.
BCIJ placed the suspects in custody for further investigation.
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Today’s arrest followed a similar operation, when BCIJ dismantled a six-member terror cell on March 14 in several cities around the Casablanca area, including Mohammedia, El Jadida, and Sidi Bennour.
In February, BCIJ also dismantled a five-member terror cell in Safi, western Morocco.
In recent years, the Moroccan counter-terrorism office has arrested several terrorists. The body’s success has gained Morocco a strong reputation for security and anti-terrorism, despite the constant threat of ISIS returnees-sponsored plots.
In December 2018, the head of BCIJ Abdelhak Khiame said that 1,668 Moroccans had joined ISIS and other terror groups in Syria and other conflict zones.
Morocco has strengthened its security strategies since 2003 after the terror Casablanca attacks and the 2011 terror attack in Marrakech.
BCIJ promised to tighten security after the Imlil murders, when at least 23 terrorists were arrested for their involvement in the killing of two Scandinavian tourists near Mount Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains.
