Morocco Arrests Two Suspects Linked to IS All-Female Cell

Moroccan authorities arrested two individuals linked to a recently busted all-female terrorist cell pledging allegiance to Daesh, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

The two suspects were arrested in the southern cities of Tan Tan and Guelmim. Investigations by the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations show that they were seeking to make explosives through obtaining products and devices used for that purpose.

The statement added that one of the suspects is the brother of a member of the recently dismantled all-female cell.

Last week, Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) busted an all-female terrorist cell in an operation that resulted in the arrest of 10 young women, suspected of plotting suicide bombings across the country.

The cell, including minors, was active in recruiting and indoctrinating women in several parts of the country and tried to “obtain the chemicals used to make explosive belts” in order to carry out attacks on “vital installations.”

The women were arrested in the cities of Kenitra, Tan Tan, Sidi Slimane, Sale, Tangier, Oulad Taima, Zagora and Sidi Taibi.

Some of the women had close relationship or family ties with Moroccan fighters who had joined Daesh in Iraq and Syria.

Since 2002, Morocco has dismantled more than 160 terrorist cells, of which 40 have been busted since 2013.