Rabat/Madrid, November 22, 2024
In a powerful demonstration of international security cooperation, Moroccan and Spanish authorities have dismantled a terrorist cell linked to the extremist group Daesh. The operation, orchestrated jointly by Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) and Spain’s National Police, resulted in the arrest of nine individuals accused of plotting terrorist activities in the Sahel region.
Coordinated Action Across Borders
The operation targeted suspects in multiple locations, with arrests made in the Moroccan cities of Tetouan and Fnideq, as well as in Madrid, Ibiza, and Sebta. According to a statement from the BCIJ, this coordinated effort disrupted an active cell that was promoting extremist ideology and allegedly preparing to join Daesh operatives in the Sahel.
Searches of the suspects’ residences uncovered bladed weapons and electronic devices, which are now undergoing forensic examination.
Preliminary investigations revealed that several of the detainees had prior convictions in Spain for terrorism-related offenses. The group reportedly held meetings in Sebta and Tetouan to coordinate their activities and recruit members, intending to bolster Daesh operations in the Sahel region.
Ongoing Investigation
The suspects arrested in Morocco are being held in custody under the supervision of a specialized prosecutor’s office for terrorism and extremism cases. Authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the group’s domestic and international connections, as well as their involvement in planned terrorist acts.
A Model of Security Cooperation
This operation highlights the exceptional security partnership between Morocco and Spain, a relationship that has consistently thwarted cross-border terrorism. Both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to countering the threat posed by extremist groups through shared intelligence and coordinated actions.
By dismantling this terror cell, Moroccan and Spanish security agencies have once again demonstrated their resolve to safeguard their citizens and uphold international security in the face of persistent terrorist threats.
