Asharq AL-awsat
The Moroccan Central Bureau of Forensic Investigations (BCIJ) has broken up a suspected terrorist cell in the northern city of Tangier.
“A terrorist cell consisting of eight extremists from the city of Tangier, aged between 20 and 31, has been neutralized,” the BCIJ said.
Among the detainees is a man whose brothers have fought alongside ISIS militants in Iraq and Syria, it added.
During the operation, the security forces seized several electronic devices, bladed weapons, a piece of black fabric symbolizing the ISIS flag, military uniform and two underwater firearms.
The detainees are suspected of spreading ISIS propaganda.
According to the same source, this security operation was part of continued efforts to preserve Morocco’s security and stability.
The statement added that the suspects were kept in custody while investigations are ongoing to arrest other accomplices.
A week ago, Morocco was internationally recognized for its effective and successful strategies in combating terrorism and its funding, revealed Dr. Jawhar Nfissi, the head of the Moroccan Financial Intelligence Unit.
Nfissi chaired the delegation representing the kingdom at the MENAFATF 29th Plenary Meeting & Meetings.
The meeting was held in Amman on April 23-25 and was attended by representatives of member states of MENAFATF (21), international observers, representatives of the World Bank and the UN, experts from the US, UK, France, Germany, Australia, and Spain, and experts from the international organizations in money laundering and terrorism financing.
