Moroccan Police Thwart ISIS-Inspired Terror Plot, Arrest Four Suspects

The arrest of the four individuals took place in Tangier, Tetouan, Inezgane and Aït Melloul. During the searches and raids on their homes, the BCIJ elements seized traditional tools such as bladed weapons, electronic devices, writings spreading the ideas of the Islamic State (IS), as well as plans to join the organization’s camps in Sahel countries. The investigation opened following their arrest reveals that these individuals aged 25 to 32 years old intended to carry out lone-wolf terrorist operations, reports the Arabic-language daily Assabah. They had in their sights foreign residents in Morocco, tourists, but also strategic infrastructure and institutions responsible for national security.

The preliminary investigation also reveals that these four pro-ISIS individuals had prepared plans to flee once they had committed atrocities in the kingdom. To this end, some have recently trained in running, particularly long distances, as well as in survival in difficult conditions. One of the alleged terrorists took refuge in mountainous areas to undergo very intense training.