Morocco: An Unwavering Pillar in the Global Fight Against Terrorism

The Kingdom of Morocco has successfully thwarted terrorism through its efficient intelligence services, capable of locating any terrorist leader and liberating multiple hostages, as stated by Mehdi El Karouani, a university professor specializing in geopolitical analysis.
In a global context marked by often asymmetrical armed conflicts, Morocco stands out as the sole actor, both on the continental and global scales, to implement security, legal, and operational mechanisms capable of confronting, containing, and neutralizing the terrorist threat.
From the Moroccan Sahara, where terrorist attacks by the Polisario target civilians, to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and incidents of hostage-taking in Mali, Africa remains a region heavily affected by the proliferation of terrorism. This threat results in the daily tragic loss of innocent lives, impacting countries such as Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Nigeria. Nevertheless, Morocco has effectively countered terrorism through its efficient intelligence services, which can pinpoint terrorist leaders and liberate numerous hostages, showcasing an unprecedented effectiveness in securing its territorial integrity.
Within the span of a year, Morocco has achieved significant progress in the fight against terrorism, solidifying its pivotal role and effectiveness in countering security threats, both nationally and internationally.
In December 2022, the release of Jörg Lange, a 63-year-old German and member of a humanitarian organization based in Berlin, held hostage by a jihadist group in Mali.
In January 2023, the dismantling of a cell affiliated with the Islamic State (IS), consisting of three suspects in Spain and Morocco during a joint security operation, with the arrest of an “extremist element” by the special forces of the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) in Chtouka Aït Baha.
In March 2023, successful interventions and arrests in separate operations targeting three individuals affiliated with Daesh, aged between 19 and 28, in Souk El Arbaa du Gharb, Tétouan, and Larache.
In May 2023, the dismantling of a Daesh-affiliated terrorist cell consisting of three individuals in the northern part of the country.
In May 2023, the liberation of Moroccan cyclists Abderrahmane Serhani and Driss Fatihi, abducted on April 1, 2023, by an armed group at the Niger-Burkina Faso border, thanks to security coordination between Morocco and Nigeria.
In August 2023, the liberation of Iulian Ghergut, a Romanian national held hostage in Burkina Faso by the Al-Mourabitoune group affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
In October 2023, the dismantling of a terrorist group affiliated with the Islamic State on the verge of attacking the cities of Tanger, Tétouan, and Inezgane Ait Melloul.
In November 2023, the decoration of the Moroccan Intelligence Service, led by Mr. Mohamed Yassine Mansouri, with the National Order “The Star of Romania” (Grand Officer Rank) by the President of Romania, Klaus Werner Johannis.
In November 2023, the elimination of the Polisario’s terrorist leader, Abdel Salam Ould Asouillem, by a Moroccan drone.
In November 2023, the arrest of an individual responsible for false bomb threats in Belgium.
In December 2023, the arrest of an extremist in Farkhana, Nador region, in collaboration with the Spanish police, conducted jointly with the General Information Directorate.
In December 2023, the dismantling of a cryptocurrency operations network affiliated with the Islamic State in several regions of Spain with the collaboration of Morocco.
In summary, Morocco positions itself as a model of “coordination” and “synergy” in the fight against terrorism. These notable successes, whether in the liberation of hostages or the dismantling of terrorist cells, underscore the collective strength in the pursuit of security. Thus, sincere, serious, and collective efforts bolster Morocco’s position in preserving peace and stability on a global scale.