Two suspected IS-Linked terrorists arrested in Morocco

BCIJ says one of suspected terrorists is former detainee under anti-terrorism law following his return from Syria and Iraq where he had joined Islamic State.

RABAT – Morocco’s anti-terrorist security forces arrested on Tuesday two dangerous IS-linked individuals who were active in the douars of Tamdafelt (Missour) and Beni Khellad (Taza), said the Central Bureau for Judiciary Investigations (BCIJ) in a statement.

“One of the two suspects, aged 24 and 37, is a former detainee under the anti-terrorism law following his return from Syria and Iraq where he had joined this terror organization,” BCIJ points out in a statement.

“Searches carried out at the homes of the two suspects led to the seizure of electronic devices, paramilitary uniforms and bladed weapons,” the FBI-like BCIJ said.

According to initial investigations, the two suspects, who have pledged allegiance to the current emir of “the Islamic State", have planned extremely dangerous terrorist plots in the North African kingdom targeting vital installations, headquarters of security services and military barracks in order to serve the agenda of this terrorist organization.

BCIJ said that the latest anti-terror operation confirmed the persistence of terrorist threats targeting Morocco and the determination of people imbued with extremist ideology to respond to incitement on the web for the execution of terror plots with a view to undermining the security of people, property and public order, the statement underlines.

The two suspects were placed on custody pending the judicial investigation led by the BCIJ under the supervision of the competent prosecutor’s office to shed light on the terrorist projects planned and identify possible accomplices.

This operation is part of the continued efforts made to address the dangers of extremism and terrorist threats targeting the security of the Kingdom and its citizens, BCIJ concluded.