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Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) arrested on Thursday four ISIS-affiliated suspects for their alleged involvement in plotting terrorist operations aimed at undermining the country’s stability and security.
A statement from BCIJ said the arrests took place in separate simulation operations in the cities of Sale, Tangier, and Tetouan.
BCIJ’s searches conducted at the suspects’ residences enabled law enforcement to seize electronic equipment and weapons, as well as an ISIS flag.
The seized equipment also includes publications on making and assembling explosive devices.
Preliminary investigation shows that the suspects, aged between 21 and 41, were planning “extremely dangerous terrorist projects targeting vital and sensitive” areas and buildings across Morocco.
The statement added that the suspects effectively engaged in the preparation of the terrorist plots and identified their targets.
They also established links with ISIS leaders operating abroad to receive support and collect payment for the operations after their execution in Morocco.
Morocco’s security services put all of the suspects in custody for further investigation to identify all terrorist plans and projects, as well as any potential connections with other terror groups abroad.
Morocco has frequently emphasized the importance of strengthening its anti-terrorism approach to address the root of extremism.
Earlier this week, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita renewed the country’s commitment to counterterrorism during a high-level meeting held in Fez.
He warned that 60% of the world’s terrorist victims have been in sub-Saharan Africa and West Africa alone, adding that West Africa experienced over 1,000 terrorist attacks during the first six months of 2023.
Bourita also called for the use of new cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and drones, to address terrorist threats on the continent.
