Morocco uncovers ISIS attack workshop, arrests 10

Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations said Monday it arrested 10 people suspected of preparing advanced terrorist plots in coordination with the Islamic State group’s branch in the Sahel.

The arrests were carried out simultaneously in Agadir, Taroudant, Casablanca, El Hajeb, Tetouan, Fquih Ben Salah, and Safi, the BCIJ said in a statement, citing intelligence provided by the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance.

Those detained include a former terrorism convict and a minor, according to the bureau. Adult suspects were placed in custody under the supervision of the anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office, while the minor was placed under monitoring measures.

The BCIJ said searches of the suspects’ homes led to the seizure of bladed weapons, military-style clothing, extremist writings, digital devices and video material containing pledges of allegiance to ISIS and threats to carry out attacks in Morocco.

Investigators also searched a warehouse in Inzegane, where they found a four-wheel-drive vehicle whose fuel tank had been modified, according to the statement. Authorities said the vehicle was intended for use in a suicide bombing or ramming attack against sensitive targets.

Police evacuated residents living around the warehouse before bomb-disposal specialists examined the vehicle using remote-operated robots and detection equipment, the bureau said.

The same warehouse contained butane gas cylinders, pressure cookers, welding equipment, electrical cutters, small lamps and solid and liquid chemical substances, all of which will undergo forensic testing to determine their composition and intended use.

The BCIJ said preliminary intelligence and field investigations indicate that members of the cell had pledged allegiance to ISIS and recently received direct instructions from leaders of the group’s Sahel and Sahara branch.

Authorities said those instructions required them to remain in Morocco to carry out attacks, while postponing any plan to join ISIS strongholds abroad.

Investigators also said the suspected cell leader had distributed roles among members, including identifying targets, carrying out surveillance and acquiring materials for the plots.

Moroccan authorities have reported several recent arrests involving suspects accused of links to the group’s Sahel branch.