US State Department Lauds Morocco’s Counterterrorism Efforts in Annual Report

The annual report on terrorism in the world, published on Thursday, mentions Morocco’s continued pursuit of its strategy encompassing security measures, extensive collaboration and initiatives against radicalization.

The report also highlights the absence of terrorist incidents in Morocco in 2022, reflecting the effectiveness of the measures taken as part of the national strategy. This strategy focuses on economic and human development in addition to the fight against radicalization. The Moroccan law enforcement agencies, coordinated by the Ministry of the Interior, have effectively dismantled terrorist cells in the early stages of planning. The BCIJ, under the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance, has played a key role in these operations thanks to excellent intelligence gathering and collaboration with international partners.

The report highlights the close cooperation between the United States and Morocco in the fight against terrorism. Moroccan security forces have participated in various US-sponsored programs to improve their technical and investigative skills, particularly in the areas of financial investigations, intelligence analysis, and cybersecurity. The document also highlights the priority given to border security and the capabilities of Moroccan airport authorities in detecting fraudulent documents. In addition, Morocco is actively involved in the Financial Action Task Force on the Middle East and North Africa, playing an important role in the fight against the financing of terrorism.

The report also addresses Morocco’s leading position in regional and international coordination against terrorism. The country has hosted key meetings of the Global Coalition against Daesh and is actively involved in the Global Forum on Counterterrorism. Emphasis is also placed on Moroccan initiatives to combat violent extremism, including educational programs for imams and Mourchidates, as well as the Rabita Mohammadia of Ulema, which contributes to raising awareness among young people on religious and social themes.