According to the reports on Wednesday (27 November), Moroccan and Spanish authorities recently conducted a successful joint operation to dismantle a Daesh-linked terrorist cell operating in the Sahel region. The operation, led by Morocco’s BCIJ (under DGST) and Spain’s National Police Intelligence Directorate, arrested nine suspects. These arrests took place in various locations, including Tetouan and Fnideq in Morocco and Madrid, Ibiza, and Sebta in Spain.
The authorities uncovered several pieces of evidence during searches at the suspects’ residences, including bladed weapons and electronic devices. These materials are currently undergoing digital forensic analysis to gather further intelligence. Preliminary investigations indicated that some of the detainees had previously been imprisoned in Spain on terrorism-related charges.
According to the authorities, the arrested individuals had been involved in promoting Daesh ideology and organizing meetings in Sebta and Tetouan. They were reportedly coordinating efforts to support Daesh operations in the Sahel region, which lies south of the Sahara. This highlights the ongoing threat of terrorism in the area and the need for international cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.
The individuals arrested in Morocco are now in custody and are under the supervision of the specialized public prosecutor’s office for terrorism and extremism cases. The joint operation between Morocco and Spain underscores the strong collaboration between the two countries in the fight against terrorism. Investigations continue as authorities work to uncover the suspects’ internal and external connections and assess their involvement in Daesh’s broader terrorist activities.
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