Morocco Expands Anti-Terror Efforts in Sahel, Partners with US

For several years, the Sahelo-Saharan region has become a breeding ground for terrorists of all backgrounds (Al Qaeda, ISIS and other small groups), and consequently, a threat to neighboring countries, including Morocco, reports the daily Al Ahdath Al Maghrebia. The proof is that nearly 982 murders, or 41% of the crimes recorded in the region, have been perpetrated by these terrorist networks.

To strengthen the fight against terrorism in this region, Morocco has changed its strategy and forged partnerships with the United States, a strategic ally. Since 2016, Morocco has been a member of the Africom multilateral force, initiated by the United States. It has also co-chaired the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF) for two terms.

The new director of the BCIJ, Cherkaoui Habboub, recently stated that "more than 100 separatists from the Polisario Front are members of Al Qaeda" and that the Tindouf camps serve as a place of training and indoctrination for these terrorists who threaten the security of Morocco and the region. "Regional security cooperation is a sine qua non condition to annihilate the threat," indicates the director of the BCIJ, who also deplored the lack of cooperation with Algeria.