Morocco's Counterterrorism Agency Thwarts Major Attack Plot
Morocco's Central Bureau for Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) announced on Monday that it had foiled attack plots targeting sensitive sites and public security by a cell loyal to Daesh's affiliate in the Sahel. Ten suspects were arrested in coordinated operations across seven cities: Agadir, Taroudant, Casablanca, Hajjeb, Tetouan, Fqih Ben Salah, and Safi, according to a BCIJ statement.
Suspects Pledged Allegiance to Daesh, Received Direct Orders
Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects had pledged allegiance to Daesh and received direct instructions from the group's Sahel branch to carry out attacks in Morocco, the BCIJ said. The operation highlights the growing threat posed by terrorist groups operating in the Sahel region, where Daesh and Al-Qaeda affiliates have expanded their presence in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Seized Materials and Modified Vehicle for Suicide Bombing
During searches, authorities found bladed weapons, military-style clothing, documents containing instructions on making explosive devices, digital materials, and chemical substances. The BCIJ also reported finding a car that had been modified and was suspected of being intended for use in a suicide bombing or vehicle-ramming attack. Additionally, security forces recovered butane gas cylinders and pressure cookers, some filled with nails and others connected to electrical wiring, at a warehouse used by the group.
Daesh Recruitment in Africa and BCIJ's Track Record
In recent years, Daesh branches in Africa have recruited more than 130 Moroccan fighters, according to BCIJ figures. Since its establishment in 2015, the BCIJ has dismantled dozens of militant cells and arrested over 1,000 suspected terrorists. The last terrorist attack in Morocco was in 2023, when three individuals loyal to Daesh killed a Moroccan policeman in Casablanca.
