On June 7th, Moroccan authorities apprehended four alleged extremists affiliated with the Islamic State (IS or Daesh), who are suspected of orchestrating attacks in various regions across the country. This latest arrest occurred in Mdiq, a northern city near the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, marking the fourth such operation in less than a month. The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), Morocco's anti-terrorism unit, released a statement via the Moroccan news agency MAP, detailing the arrest of an individual believed to be deeply influenced by Daesh's extremist ideology. This suspect is accused of being involved in the planning and preparation of a terrorist scheme that poses a serious threat to public order and critical infrastructure.
Initial investigations revealed that the 31-year-old suspect had actively participated in the development of terrorist plans under the guise of 'lone wolf jihad,' acquiring knowledge in explosive manufacturing. Although the authorities have not disclosed specific targets, the gravity of these allegations has led to the suspect being placed at the disposal of judicial authorities for further inquiries, particularly to explore any potential connections to broader terrorist networks.
Previously, on May 15th, Moroccan officials detained two 19-year-old presumed jihadists in Midelt, located in the eastern part of the country, along with another individual in Douar Oubaa, near Youssoufia in the west, who were preparing for imminent terrorist attacks. Moreover, just two days prior, a 22-year-old extremist was arrested in Dakhla, at the southern tip of Western Sahara, for plotting attacks against civilians and public order.
Azzeddine Farhane, Morocco's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, emphasized during his remarks at the 35th session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, that Morocco has developed a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy over the past two decades. This strategy is built upon strict security measures, human development, and the promotion of tolerance and moderation, as reported by Maroc Diplomatique.
As reported by swissinfo.ch.
