Morocco: BCIJ dismantles 4-Member cell of recruiters for ISIS branch in Sahel-Saharan region

Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) dismantled, on January 29 and 30, a four-member terrorist network active in the cities of Tangier, Casablanca, Beni Mellal and Inzegane. The network was attempting to recruit and send fighters to join the branch of ISIS (Daesh) in the Sahel-Saharan region.

Preliminary investigation shows that the network has been coordinating with leaders of this organization in the Sahel-Saharan region to facilitate extremists joining this area, said the BCIJ in a statement.

Searches carried out at the homes of the suspects, aged between 35 and 40, led to the seizure of several electronic devices, amounts of money, bladed weapons in the form of large sabres, balaclavas, gloves and a rifle, the statement added.

This operation is part of the Moroccan security services’ proactive approach to combat terrorist threats, and their commitment to confronting the rising threats posed by “Daesh” and other terrorist organizations, especially in the wake of incitement from these organizations calling for people to join their ranks, particularly in the Sahel, the BCIJ stressed.

The arrested persons were placed in police custody as part of the investigation carried out by the BCIJ to determine their connections with terrorist organizations abroad and uncover their possible terrorist plans and activities.

The suspects will be brought to justice as soon as the investigation is completed.