Interpol coordinated an international anti-terrorism operation dubbed “Operation Neptune VI” that resulted in 66 arrests across 14 countries, including Morocco, according to the Spanish Press Agency EFE, on Wednesday.
The two-week operation targeted the obstruction of illicit activities by suspected terrorists, foreign fighters, and criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and human trafficking.
The major security raid involved several countries in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, with Morocco taking a leading role in enhancing security along the Mediterranean maritime routes.
Other participating nations included Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Montenegro, Portugal, Spain, and Tunisia.
Interpol cooperated closely with the European agencies Frontex and Europol, prioritizing surveillance of suspects involved in terrorism and cross-border criminal activities.
The collaboration led to the identification of 81 wanted individuals and the recovery of stolen vehicles and passports, assets often used to finance and facilitate terrorist operations.
Neptune VI also led to the apprehension of 16 of Interpol’s most-wanted fugitives, along with 54 others sought for crimes across a range of offenses, including drug trafficking, fraud, and the smuggling of precious metals and weapons. In total, Interpol reported the cross-checking of over 12 million data points during the operation.
“This operation exemplifies the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism and cross-border crime,” an Interpol spokesperson said. “The arrests and seizures made during Neptune VI will significantly disrupt the networks that enable these threats.”