US Praises Morocco’s Counterterrorism Efforts in Annual Global Report

This report outlines Morocco’s overall counterterrorism strategy, which, according to it, includes vigilant security measures, regional and international cooperation, and policies to combat radicalization.

According to the US Department, in 2018, Moroccan security forces, under the coordination of the Ministry of the Interior, vigorously targeted and arrested 71 people. They also dismantled more than 20 terrorist cells that were planning to attack various targets, including public buildings, personalities and tourist sites, the same report states.

The Moroccan law enforcement agencies, in particular the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ), "have made use of intelligence gathering, police work and collaboration with international partners to carry out counterterrorism operations," it is also written.

To succeed in this challenge, the US Department notes that members of Morocco’s security forces have participated in a series of US-sponsored programs to improve technical and investigative capabilities, including financial investigations, intelligence analysis and cybersecurity.

The Department also praised the Kingdom’s security efforts, recalling that border security remains an absolute priority for the Moroccan authorities, particularly praising the work of the Moroccan airport authorities for their excellent ability to detect fraudulent documents.

Furthermore, Morocco is considered in the said report as "a major non-NATO ally" and an active member of the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP). The US Department also praised Morocco’s cooperation with its European partners, namely Belgium, France and Spain, "to counter terrorist threats in Europe".