Morocco dismantles IS-linked terrorist cell

RABAT - Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) dismantled in the early hours of Wednesday a terrorist cell in the north affiliated with the so-called "Islamic State" terrorist organization known as “Daesh.” 

The cell consisted of four extremists, aged between 20 and 27, who were active between Tetouan and Chefchaouen.

The dismantling of this cell is part of preemptive security operations aimed at neutralizing terrorist threats and thwarting subversive plans targeting the security and stability of the Kingdom, with the intent to seriously undermine public order, according to a BCIJ statement

Searches conducted at the suspects' homes led to the seizure of a manuscript containing the text of the "pledge of allegiance" declared by the cell members to the so-called emir of the terrorist organization "Daesh," as well as a recording documenting this "allegiance," a flag referencing the organization, a black uniform consisting of pants and a jacket bearing extremist writings, mock weapons (a rifle equipped with a scope and two pistols), and a set of electronic devices that will undergo necessary digital forensic analysis.

Field investigations revealed the seriousness of the terrorist plans devised by the cell members, in line with the subversive agenda of the "Daesh" organization, which seeks to destabilize the North African Kingdom. 

The same source noted that the suspects had already begun preparing to execute their terrorist project by conducting field tests in a mountainous area of Tetouan, with the aim of manufacturing explosive devices.

Investigations also showed that the suspects had documented their allegiance to the current so-called emir of "Daesh" through a manuscript and a video, seeking the organization’s leadership support for their terrorist plans, the statement added.

The four terrorist suspects have been placed in custody for further investigation under the supervision of the counterterrorism prosecutor’s office, in order to uncover all aspects of their terrorist plans, potential connections, and any extensions of this cell.