Morocco Dismantles ISIS-Linked Terror Cell, Foils Imminent Attack in Oujda

In a statement, the BCIJ indicated that this is an operation that takes place in the fight led by Morocco to neutralize the terrorist threat from its territory, dismantle the extremist organizations whose objective is to undermine the security and stability of the Kingdom.

In total, three operations were carried out simultaneously in four neighborhoods of Oujda and resulted in the arrest of the members of this terrorist cell. During the operations, the special forces elements of the DGST had to launch stun grenades to neutralize the danger emanating from the main suspect, while the second suspect was tracked down and arrested on the roofs of neighboring houses. The search of the main suspect’s home led to the seizure of a large sum of foreign currency, four passports belonging to the members of the cell, several bladed weapons, and computer equipment that will be subjected to the necessary technical expertise.

For the moment, the preliminary research and investigations allow the BCIJ to affirm that the members of this terrorist cell have declared their "loyalty" to the alleged emir of the "Islamic State" (IS).

They had planned to join the camps of this terrorist organization in the Sahel region to carry out combat operations, before being sent back to Morocco to perpetrate terrorist acts against vital national facilities, security premises and military bases. Preliminary investigations have also revealed that the arrested suspects have already carried out several reconnaissance operations to identify the targets and sensitive facilities to be targeted. The BCIJ stresses that this new proactive operation confirms the continuous growth of the terrorist threats that threaten the security of the Kingdom and the safety of citizens. It also indicates the determination of extremists imbued with the Daesh ideology to implement terrorist projects aimed at seriously undermining the security of persons, property and public order, the statement said.

The arrested suspects were placed in custody at the disposal of the judicial investigation led by the BCIJ under the supervision of the public prosecutor’s office in charge of terrorism. The aim is to identify the accomplices and other persons involved in this terrorist cell, and to determine the regional ramifications and their possible links with terrorist projects at the national and global level, concludes the BCIJ.