Moroccan authorities have made significant strides against terrorism with the recent dismantling of a terror cell linked to ISIS. Following nearly a year of surveillance and intelligence work, the Moroccan Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) arrested twelve suspects across nine cities, marking a serious commitment to national security.
The operation, detailed by BCIJ Director Habboub Cherkaoui, focused on a group self-identified as "the Lions of the Caliphate in the Maghreb Al Aqsa" which had plotted remote-controlled bomb attacks within the country. Cherkaoui confirmed to reporters on February 24, 2025, the alarming depth of this group’s planning, stating, "The group was planning remote-controlled bomb attacks."
These individuals, aged between 18 and 40, were reportedly radicalized online and had predominantly taken up casual jobs, giving little indication of their intent to engage in violence. The security forces, aided by the General Directorate for Territorial Monitoring (DGST), executed coordinated arrests in major cities including Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, and Laayoune.
Cherkaoui shed light on the connection between the cell and Abderrahmane Assahraoui, a Libyan ISIS leader functioning actively within the Sahel region. He stated, "Their connection to criminal networks poses a real threat to Morocco and Europe," underlining the intertwined nature of terrorism and organized crime. During the operation, they confiscated not only explosives but also chemicals and firearms from the southeastern region of Errachidia, near the Algerian border, demonstrating the cell's preparedness and intentions.
Detailed investigations revealed the use of smuggling networks to bring weapons from Mali. Among the contraband were kalashnikov rifles, handguns, and vast amounts of ammunition, all wrapped conspicuously in newspapers from Mali dated January 2025. This raised serious concerns about the origin and possible future of such weaponry. "Had the group gained access to this arsenal, the consequences for national security would have been severe," Cherkaoui emphasized, portraying how fortunate the authorities were to intervene before chaos could ensue.
Since the establishment of the BCIJ, Morocco has experienced its fair share of challenges with terrorism, seeing it arrest over 1,000 suspected jihadists and dismantle numerous militant cells since 2015. The last known jihadist attack prior to this police operation occurred back in 2023, claiming the life of a Moroccan police officer in Casablanca and leaving the public on high alert.
Cherkaoui noted the ever-present threat from ISIS affiliates within Africa, saying, "This operation confirms ISIS's intention to internationalize activities." With over 130 Moroccan fighters recruited by these factions, the potential for terror acts remains, necessitating constant vigilance and proactive counter-terrorism efforts from Moroccan authorities.
The events reflect growing concerns not just for Morocco but for regions across Europe, where the ripple effects of such threats could lead to broader consequences. Given the nature of the arrests and the weapons uncovered, it's clear these actions were more than idle speculation of delirious ambitions; they were the tangible workings of intent to disrupt peace.
BCIJ's diligent work and timely action served as a formidable barrier against what could have evolved from these planned attacks. The magnitude of their finds signifies not only the capabilities of these terror cells but also the urgent need for various security apparatus to work collaboratively against such international terrorism.
With investigations still being carried out to fully unearth the extent of the network involved, it's pertinent for citizens to stay aware and for law enforcement to remain one step ahead of these growing threats.