Rabat – Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), working on
precise intelligence from the Directorate General of Territorial Surveillance
(DGST), successfully foiled two imminent terrorist plots this January. The plan,
which was in its preparatory stages, involved carrying out explosive attacks.
In the first operation, a coordinated operation by DGST special forces, BCIJ
officers, the aerial brigade, and the Judicial Center of the Royal Gendarmerie
resulted in the arrest of four extremist suspects, including three brothers, all
linked to the Daesh terrorist group. The suspects, aged 26, 29, 31, and 35, were
operating in the Had Soualem area of Berrechid Province, according to a BCIJ
statement.
During the searches, authorities seized a range of items, including knives,
bottles containing chemicals, large quantities of chemical fertilizers, sulfur,
charcoal powder, and other suspicious substances. They also recovered electrical
wires, welding tools, and adhesive tapes, all of which could be used to
manufacture explosives. These items were handed over to forensic experts for
detailed analysis.
Investigations began after the DGST uncovered a video showing the suspects
pledging allegiance to Daesh and vowing to carry out terrorist acts. Further
intelligence revealed that the group had visited four hardware stores in the Had
Soualem area on the same day, purchasing chemicals commonly used to make
explosives. They had stored these materials at one suspect’s home and started
experimenting with assembling explosive devices.
It was also discovered that two of the brothers conducted reconnaissance
missions, visiting various locations and documenting potential targets with photos
and videos to support their plans. Evidence suggests the suspects intended to
carry out bomb attacks and then join Daesh camps in the Sahel region.
The four individuals are now in custody, with the investigation being overseen by
the public prosecutor specializing in terrorism cases. Authorities aim to uncover
any links this cell may have with regional or international terrorist organizations
and to identify and apprehend any remaining members of the group.
Furthermore, an individual steeped in the extremist ideology of the terrorist
organization Daesh, working as a teacher in Sidi Chafi village in the province of
Taourirt has been arrested by the police.
Following searches carried out at the suspect’s home, the police seized chemical
materials suspected to be intended for the manufacture of homemade explosive
devices, including vials containing hydrochloric acid, hydrogen peroxide and zinc sulfate, which were submitted for forensic examination, as well as edged
weapons of various sizes, cell phones and electronic devices.
Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that the suspect had been
gathering information on materials and techniques for manufacturing explosives,
as well as using them to prepare a terrorist plot aimed at causing significant
harm to individuals and disrupting public order.
The suspect has been placed under custody at the BCIJ for further questioning,
under the supervision of the terrorism prosecutor’s office, in order to identify
all his terrorist targets, as well as his links to possible accomplices.