Dismantling of Terror Cell Affiliated to ‘Daesh’, Composed of Three Individuals Operating in Spain and Morocco (BCIJ)

The security interventions conducted by elements of the special forces of the DGST have allowed the arrest of one of the extremist elements in Chtouka Ait Baha, simultaneously with the arrest by the Spanish authorities of two other members of the same cell in Almeria, said the BCIJ in a statement.

The investigations showed that the arrested persons have pledged allegiance to « Daesh » and were active in the dissemination and promotion of extremist ideas for the purpose of recruitment and enlistment, the same source added.

The suspects have shown their willingness to get involved in terrorist operations because of their inability to join the strongholds of « Daesh » in the Sahel region and they had links with fighters responsible for recruiting and facilitating access to volunteers to fight in this area, noted the statement.

The search conducted at the home of the suspect arrested in Chtouka Ait Baha allowed the seizure of equipment and digital media that will be subjected to the necessary technical expertise, as well as a hood, a sharp metal piece and manuscripts advocating « Daesh ».

The individual arrested in Morocco was placed in custody to complete the judicial investigation conducted under the supervision of the prosecutor’s office in charge of terrorism and extremism, while the competent Spanish authorities will conduct the necessary investigations and inquiries with the two members of this cell arrested in Spain.

This joint security operation is part of the continuous and remarkable coordination between the Moroccan security services and their Spanish counterparts in order to neutralize all the terrorist threats facing both countries. It is also part of strengthening bilateral cooperation in order to identify the ramifications and links between the terrorist cells active in both countries, the same source concluded.