A report from the Ministry of Interior has revealed the successful disbanding of more than 500 terrorist initiatives targeting the Kingdom since 2002. Additionally, 215 terrorist cells have been dismantled as a result of preemptive strikes aimed at countering radical and extremist elements.
According to the ministry’s data, in the current year alone, 6 terrorist cells have been neutralized, leading to the apprehension of 21 individuals. These operations were conducted in various cities, including Oujda, Sidi Ifni, Tetouan, Laarache, Tangier, Nador, and Agadir.
It was determined that these detainees had been planning catastrophic machinations targeting critical national infrastructure–as well as security personnel and institutions–as part of “lone-wolf terrorism” operations. They actively engaged in the logistical preparations for these schemes, including identifying targets and researching explosives manufacturing techniques.
The ministry’s report emphasized the challenge posed by the return of militants from terrorist organizations in Syria, Iraq, and the Sahel region, who seek to infiltrate their home countries in their attempts to sow the seeds of discontent among the populace through the establishment of dormant cells.
The relevant authorities stressed their unflagging efforts in continuing to stymie the infiltration of these elements across the Kingdom’s perimeters at both official and clandestine border crossings.
Regarding the deportation of women and children from conflict zones in Iraq and Syria, the Ministry noted that they are vetting requests in coordination with the relevant entities.
In the face of significant and increasing security challenges in the region, the same source highlighted Morocco’s contribution to baffling terrorist plots abroad through intel coordination, cooperation, information exchange, and the sharing of technical expertise.
The Ministry also highlighted its ongoing coordination with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and Training in Africa in Rabat–the office of which opened on June 24, 2021–for the development and implementation of appropriate counter-terrorism initiatives.