Sale: The recent dismantling of a Daesh-affiliated terrorist cell in Morocco, which followed the busting of the ‘three brothers’ cell, underscores Morocco’s ongoing battle against both external and internal terrorist threats, according to the Director of the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), Cherkaoui Habboub.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Habboub highlighted at a press briefing organized by the BCIJ that the dismantling of these cells, both influenced by external recruitment and indoctrination, demonstrates Morocco’s simultaneous confrontation with external and internal terrorist threats. He noted the involvement of local elements in terrorist organizations expanding in the Sahel, posing a significant challenge to Morocco.

Habboub stated that terrorist groups and their networks openly declare through their propaganda a desire to target Morocco, urging their followers to retaliate against both local and foreign interests within the Kingdom. He referenced past statements by terrorist leaders, including a media appearance by former Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb emir Abdelmalek Droukdel and recent statements by Al-Qaeda and Daesh.

Habboub pointed out that foreign involvement in terrorist plots against Morocco is not new, citing a recent cell orchestrated by Abderrahmane Assahraoui, a senior leader of the “Islamic State in the Sahel.” He mentioned the arrest of a Daesh emissary in 2015, who was caught with chemicals for explosives and firearms.

Local elements who fail to join Daesh camps in Africa often plan attacks in Morocco, following calls from terrorist leaders. Habboub referenced a terrorist cell involved in a police officer’s assassination near Casablanca in March 2023, noting their failed attempt to join Daesh’s Somali branch.

Habboub underscored the presence of Moroccan operatives within terrorist groups in the Sahel, such as Noureddine El Youbi and Ali Maychou, which increases the threat from this region. He warned of dangerous future scenarios due to the growing appeal of extremist ideologies and the Sahel’s status as a stronghold for terrorist groups.

Despite efforts against fighter transport networks, such as a cell dismantled in early 2024, over 130 Moroccan fighters have joined terrorist branches in the Sahel, West Africa, and the Horn of Africa, with some holding crucial roles in external operations.

Habboub emphasized the characteristics of the dismantled cell and its connections with terrorist groups in the Sahel, highlighting Morocco’s security vigilance and efficiency in maintaining internal security and regional stability.