FBI and Moroccan Intelligence Arrest Suspected ISIS Member in Barcelona

9 May 2020 – bySylvanus@Bladi · 1 min read

The American FBI and the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) of Morocco carried out a joint operation that led to the arrest of a Moroccan in Barcelona, a suspected member of the terrorist organization Daesh.

"The detainee made public statements about his adherence to the terrorist claims of Daesh and his hatred of the West on his social media profiles," the Spanish Civil Guard said in a statement. He also mentioned his "radicalization and membership in Daesh for at least four years".

According to the Spanish Civil Guard, the investigations revealed that the Moroccan had violated the travel restrictions imposed by the state of health emergency in Spain at this time of covid-19, to "possibly seek targets".

Investigators also found that the suspected Moroccan terrorist was "very visibly and worryingly active" during the state of emergency period. Preliminary information indicates that this increased activism by the suspect would be in response to calls made by the leadership of Daesh to its fighters in Western countries. These are calls for mobilization, urging them to carry out attacks in their places of residence.

The investigation revealed that the man is "totally influenced by the propaganda and postulates of Daesh, having even sworn allegiance to this terrorist organization. For this reason, he is considered a real threat to security," concludes the Civil Guard.