Moroccan police bust ISIS cell planning attacks

Moroccan security services announced on Monday the arrest of three terrorists with ties to extremist ISIS group. Aged between 26 and 28, the three-member cell was active in the Moroccan cities of Inzegane and Ait Melloul, in Agadir region.

The three jihadists, who pledged allegiance to ISIS leader, were planning terrorist attacks aimed at undermining the country’s security and stability, said a statement released by Morocco’s Central Bureau for Judicial Investigations (equivalent of FBI).

The preliminary investigation showed that the captured ISIS operatives were trying to acquire firearms and materials for making explosive devices. They also encourage terrorist operations in several foreign countries.

The anti-terror operation is part of the continuous efforts made by the Moroccan security services against religious fanaticism and extremism.

Morocco’s counterterrorism strategy includes vigilant security measures, regional and international cooperation, and counter-radicalization policies.

This strategy has mitigated the risk of terrorism, but the country continues to face threats, largely from numerous small, independent violent extremist cells.