Anti-ISIS coalition meeting: Blinken's infection may lead to postponement

Moroccan-American intelligence cooperation is in full force, as Morocco prepares to host the conference of the international coalition to combat terrorist organization ISIS, expected to be held this May.

Delegations from 92 different countries are expected to gather for the first time in Africa this month for the international coalition meeting, but the date may be postponed following US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s recent COVID-19 infection.

There is still much doubt surrounding Blinken’s schedule, especially about his upcoming international trips. The US State Department noted that Blinken will remain “at home and will maintain a remote work schedule.”

“He looks forward to returning to the department and resuming all duties and travel as soon as possible,” reads the statement. Blinken is expected to chair the meeting, alongside Moroccan FM, Nasser Bourita.

The conference, currently still scheduled for May 11 in Marrakesh, seeks to combat terrorist organizations in the African continent in particular, where security risks are increasing, especially in Libya and the Sahel and Sahara regions.

Over years of joint work, the Moroccan and American security services managed to dismantle several cells, the largest of which is in Oujda, while Moroccan authorities reported an attack targeting New York last year.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) have previously praised the distinguished cooperation that they bring together with the interests of the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance in the field of combating terrorism and violent extremism.

This major event highlights Morocco’s leadership in counter-terrorism at the regional, and global levels. With a great experience in the field, Morocco has carried out numerous actions to fight terrorism and extremism.

Morocco has long adopted a firm policy against extremism, which has led to the dismantling of several radical cells, both domestically and abroad.

Thanks to the efficiency of Moroccan intelligence services, several planned attacks have been aborted in Europe, which has strengthened the reputation of the Kingdom at the international level.