Hed Soualem terrorist cell's seized materials show clear intent to build explosives

A scientific report on materials seized during the dismantling of a terrorist cell in Had Soualem reveals the depth of the threats posed by the group, which not only held materials for making explosives but also showed a clear intent to deploy them, Abderrahmane El Yousfi Alaoui, technical division chief at the judicial police, said Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference on January 30, 2025, at the headquarters of the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) in Salé, Yousfi detailed the results of the operation, which was a coordinated effort between specialized BCIJ teams and crime scene technicians. During searches of suspects’ homes, authorities seized significant quantities of chemicals and tools potentially used in explosive devices.

The results, provided by the National Laboratory of Scientific Police, were divided into three categories. The first contained a mix of chemicals, including powders and liquids, which could present serious risks due to their appearance and composition. The second section included materials like nails, metal wires, and welding tools, while the third section revealed laboratory equipment specifically used to manufacture explosives.

Yousfi noted that many of these substances are immediately usable in traditional explosive production, possibly more deadly than common explosives. Among the chemicals identified were ammonium nitrate, sodium bicarbonate, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen peroxide, acetone, and methyl alcohol, along with rat poison. When combined, these substances could create explosives with devastating destructive power.

While these chemicals are commonly used in civil industries like agriculture, industry, and medicine, they can be repurposed by terrorist groups for violent purposes. Yousfi highlighted the vigilance of the Directorate General of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), which helped intercept the threat.

Further analysis revealed the second section contained precursor tools for explosives, such as PVC pipes, batteries, electrical wires, and metal nails, which increase the device’s lethality. These materials raised concerns about the possible inclusion of rat poison in the explosives, intended to inflict greater harm on victims.

The third section included laboratory tools, such as multifunctional electronic machines and scales, used to precisely measure ingredients in explosive preparation.

Yousfi concluded that the technical expertise underscores the serious threat posed by the group, stressing the importance of ongoing vigilance to protect public safety.