Morocco Foils Daesh Terror Plot: 5 Arrested in Multi-City Raid

An anti-terrorist operation carried out jointly by the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) and the Directorate General of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) made it possible to neutralize a Daesh terrorist cell in several cities in Morocco. The suspects, intercepted in Casablanca, Tangier, Tetouan, Martil and the rural commune of Ounagha (province of Essaouira), were planning to attack sensitive targets on the national territory, according to information provided by the BCIJ.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the members of this terrorist cell had pledged allegiance to the so-called Daesh "caliphate" and expressed their willingness to carry out violent actions against vital facilities and security institutions. One of the suspects, with knowledge in electronics, was even considering the manufacture of explosive devices, the Moroccan intelligence services said.

The investigations conducted by the DGST also highlighted the total adherence of the members of this cell to the extremist ideology of Daesh. They had notably participated in propaganda campaigns inciting to violence and jihad.