Morocco: Five-member terrorist cell dismantled by BCIJ

A five-member terrorist cell supporting Daesh terrorist organization was dismantled this Friday by the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), an offshoot of the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST).

The suspects, aged between 22 and 46, were arrested for their alleged involvement in preparing the execution of terrorist plans aimed at seriously undermining public order.

The arrest operations took place in Casablanca, Tangiers, Tetouan, Martil, and the rural commune of Ounagha in the province of Essaouira, according to a statement by the BCIJ, which added that details of their terrorist plans were uncovered following research and investigations by the DGST services.

Initial investigations revealed that the suspects, who had pledged allegiance to the so-called caliphate of the Daesh organization, had expressed their intention to carry out terrorist projects targeting vital facilities and security institutions, in parallel with their adherence to campaigns inciting violence, said the BCIJ statement.

The investigations showed that one of the members of this terrorist cell, who is versed in electronics, had planned to manufacture explosive devices.

The members of this terrorist cell were taken into custody and will undergo judicial investigation with a view to elucidating the nature of the terrorist cell’s links with DAESH and identifying its destructive plans and projects.