Morocco terror plot foiled as authorities arrest 10 ISIS suspects

Morocco’s security services have dismantled several advanced terrorist plots and arrested 10 suspected ISIS-affiliated extremists during coordinated operations across multiple cities, according to the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations. The operation followed intelligence provided by the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance and focused on a network allegedly preparing attacks inside the country.

The Morocco terror plot investigation led to arrests in Agadir, Taroudant, Casablanca, El Hajeb, Tetouan, Fquih Ben Salah, and Safi. Authorities said the suspects had been under extensive surveillance as investigators gathered intelligence on the group’s activities and connections.

According to investigators, the suspects were planning attacks against people and property while receiving logistical support and operational guidance from ISIS operatives based in the Sahel region. Security services said the group had reached an advanced stage of preparation before the arrests were carried out.

Searches conducted at the suspects’ residences resulted in the seizure of bladed weapons, military-style clothing, and extremist documents containing instructions for assembling explosive devices. Authorities also recovered electronic equipment and two recordings that allegedly included pledges of allegiance to ISIS along with threats to carry out acts of sabotage.

Investigators expanded their operation to a warehouse in Inezgane, where they discovered a four wheel drive vehicle with a modified fuel system designed to run on butane gas. Authorities believe the vehicle was intended for use in a terrorist operation, either as a suicide attack or a vehicle assault targeting sensitive facilities.

Specialized units from Morocco’s General Directorate of National Security deployed explosive experts and remote controlled equipment to inspect the vehicle and assess potential threats. The examination also uncovered butane gas cylinders, pressure cookers, nails, electrical wiring, welding tools, circuit breakers, light bulbs, and chemical substances that investigators linked to the preparation of improvised explosive devices.

Authorities said the cell’s members had pledged allegiance to the leader of ISIS and were receiving instructions from senior operatives in the Sahel. The directives reportedly encouraged members to remain in Morocco and carry out attacks domestically rather than travel to territories controlled by the terrorist organization abroad.

Investigators found that the group operated through a structured division of responsibilities. Some members were tasked with identifying targets, while others conducted surveillance, reconnaissance, and monitoring activities in preparation for potential attacks.

Adult suspects have been placed in police custody, while one minor suspect has been placed under judicial supervision. Moroccan authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full scope of the network, including its suspected links to ISIS branches operating in Africa and any international connections that may have supported its activities.