RABAT: Morocco’s counterterrorism agency said on Monday it had foiled attack plots targeting sensitive sites and public security by a cell loyal to Daesh’s affiliate in the Sahel.
Ten suspects were arrested in coordinated operations in the cities of Agadir, Taroudant, Casablanca, Hajjeb, Tetouan, Fqih Ben Salah and Safi, the agency, known as the Central Bureau for Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), said in a statement.
Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects had pledged allegiance to Daesh and received direct instructions from the group’s Sahel branch to carry out attacks in Morocco, it said.
The operation underscores the threat posed by terrorist groups operating in the Sahel, where Daesh and Al-Qaeda affiliates have expanded their presence in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
During searches, authorities found bladed weapons, military-style clothing, documents containing instructions on making explosive devices, digital materials, and chemical substances, BCIJ said.
