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Moroccan authorities arrest 18-year-old suspected ISIS supporter
Morocco's Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ) has detained an 18-year-old man in the Douar El Amarna area of Settat province, suspected of planning terrorist attacks inspired by ISIS ideology. The arrest, carried out early Sunday, underscores Morocco's ongoing efforts to counter rising security threats linked to extremist groups in the Sahel region.
Suspect linked to ISIS operations
The arrest followed intelligence from the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST). According to officials, the suspect had been influenced by ISIS propaganda and maintained contact with a North African ISIS leader, who encouraged him to carry out attacks within Morocco. The leader provided instructions and references for constructing explosives, further supporting the suspect’s alleged plans.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect expressed interest in manufacturing explosives and circulated terrorist content on social media platforms, including videos promoting ISIS operations and encouraging similar acts of violence. Authorities believe his actions posed a serious threat to public safety and security.
National security under threat
The BCIJ’s statement highlighted the growing challenge of combating terrorism in Morocco, particularly amid the resurgence of Sahel-based ISIS factions. The arrest adds to a string of recent operations targeting ISIS-affiliated cells within the country.
On July 2, the BCIJ dismantled a four-member ISIS cell operating between Tetouan and Chefchaouen. The group had pledged allegiance to ISIS’ leader and was reportedly planning attacks. Similarly, in late June, authorities arrested a 21-year-old woman linked to ISIS over a failed terror plot.
The suspect in the latest case remains in custody under the supervision of Morocco’s terrorism prosecutor, who is leading the investigation to uncover potential accomplices or connections to other extremist networks.