Morocco: Six alleged terrorists arrested May 9-10

Event

The BCIJ (Bureau Central d’investigations judiciaries) arrested six alleged terrorists linked to the Islamic State (IS) in Tanger, Casablanca, Tétouan, Marrakech and Safi during an operation that started on Tuesday, May 9, and ended on Wednesday, May 10. According to local authorities, the six suspects had pledged allegiance to IS and were in contact with fighters in Iraq and Syria. It is also believed that the suspected terrorists were planning attacks in the country and were preparing explosives. Bomb-making materials were reportedly seized by the Moroccan authorities during the operation, which suggests the suspects were able to assemble explosive devices.

Context

Since its creation in 2015, the Moroccan BCIJ has dismantled more than 40 terrorist cells in its bid to halt the spread of terrorism in the country and stem the flow of Moroccan citizens fighting in Syria and Iraq returning to Morocco. Anti-terrorist operations are common in Morocco.

It is estimated that some 1200 Moroccans have traveled to fight with IS in Syria and Iraq over the past 18 months, prompting fears that they could return home to perpetrate attacks.

Advice

Due to the significant terrorist threat, individuals in Morocco are advised report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and to exercise caution at all times, particularly when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (e.g. public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.), and especially those in major cities such as Marrakesh, Rabat, and Casablanca.