The Moroccan Interior Ministry announced on Friday that authorities had succeeded in dismantling a terrorist cell consisting of five individuals loyal to the “Islamic State” group that was targeting vital and security facilities.
“A terrorist cell” consisting of five elements loyal to the Islamic State, aged between 22 and 46, was dismantled “on suspicion of involvement in preparing to carry out terrorist plans aimed at seriously harming public order,” a statement issued by the Central Bureau of Judicial Research of the Moroccan Interior Ministry said.
“The suspects were arrested by members of the special force of the General Directorate for Surveillance of the National Territory in Casablanca, Tangier, Tetouan, Martil and the rural commune of Onaga in the province of Essaouira, after revealing the details of their terrorist projects based on research and investigations carried out by the services of this directorate,” the statement added.
Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects, who consider themselves loyal to the Islamic State, intended to carry out terrorist attacks on vital facilities and security institutions, as well as campaigns inciting violence, the statement said.
The statement noted that one of the cell members was familiar with electronics and was planning to make improvised explosive devices.
Since 2003, Moroccan security authorities have succeeded in dismantling 210 terrorist cells and arresting more than 4,304 people, according to official figures.
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