Moroccan security forces thwarted a major terrorist plot in the early hours of Sunday in Berrechid thanks to intelligence from the Territorial Surveillance Agency (DGST), according to a security source.
The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) led the operation, preventing a planned bombing campaign in its early stages.
Special forces from the DGST, in coordination with BCIJ officers and support from the Royal Gendarmerie’s aerial and ground units, arrested four extremists, including three brothers. The suspects, aged 26, 29, 31, and 35, operated in Had Soualem, in Berrechid Province. Authorities confirmed their allegiance to ISIS.
The operation unfolded in two residential locations: the Al Omran neighborhood and Oulad Jami. Bomb detection experts, police K-9 units, and a Royal Gendarmerie helicopter with snipers provided additional support. The helicopter monitored the intervention areas, ensuring operational safety.
During the raids, security forces seized weapons, chemical substances, and materials suspected of being used for bomb-making. Among the items were various blades, large quantities of chemicals, sulfur, charcoal powder, salts, electrical wires, welding equipment, and adhesives. Forensic experts are now analyzing these materials.
Investigations revealed that the suspects had pledged allegiance to ISIS in a video and promised imminent terrorist acts. They purchased bomb-making chemicals from four different stores in Had Soualem within a single day. The chemicals were stored at one suspect’s home for experimentation.
Two of the arrested brothers conducted reconnaissance missions at multiple locations, capturing photos and videos of potential targets. Intelligence indicated their plans involved carrying out bombing operations before joining ISIS camps in the Sahel region.
The four suspects remain in custody as authorities investigate their ties to regional and international terrorist networks.