The Moroccan security forces have arrested 4 individuals affiliated with the terrorist organization “ISIS,” aged between 21 and 41 years, on suspicion of involvement in preparing for terrorist plots aimed at seriously destabilizing public order.
According to a statement from the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations on Thursday, special forces units under the General Directorate for National Territory Surveillance carried out intervention and arrest procedures in separate and simultaneous operations targeting the suspects in the cities of Sale, Tangier, and Tetouan.
The statement added that searches conducted at the suspects’ residences resulted in the seizure of various electronic equipment, different sizes of bladed weapons, as well as a piece of clothing bearing the emblem of the “ISIS” organization. Also seized were manuscripts with extremist content resembling the “Bay’ah” text of this terrorist organization, along with publications on the legitimacy of “martyrdom operations” and instructions on how to manufacture and assemble explosives and explosive devices.
According to preliminary investigation results, the suspects, who were steeped in the extremist ideology of “ISIS” and declared allegiance to its alleged leader, were planning highly dangerous terrorist projects targeting vital and sensitive facilities in the kingdom. They were actively engaged in preparatory activities to monitor and identify targets.
The investigation also revealed that the suspects, who had gained expertise in the manufacture of explosive devices, established relationships with ISIS leaders operating abroad to gain their approval and support for their destructive projects upon their execution in the kingdom.
