The Central Office of Judicial Research is set to wrap up 2023 with significant achievements in combating extremism and dismantling terrorist networks, earning continued international acclaim for Moroccan efforts.
Official figures from the “Achievements of the Ministry of Interior” report for fiscal year 2023 reveal that Morocco has thwarted 500 terrorist projects and disbanded 215 terrorist cells since 2002.
In 2023, the Central Office for Judicial Investigations dismantled 6 terrorist cells, leading to the arrest of 21 individuals across various preemptive operations in regions such as Nador, Chtouka Ait Baha, Souk Arbaa Gharb, Tetouan, Larache, Tangier, and Inzegane Ait Melloul.
Throughout the year, Morocco played a crucial role in preventing international bloodshed, notably partnering with Spain to foil terrorist plans targeting Nador and Melilla.
The US State Department commended Morocco’s robust strategies in thwarting terrorist plots through heightened vigilance and surveillance measures in its 2022 report on global anti-terrorism measures.
Security expert Ihsan El Hafidi noted to Hespress AR a declining trend in dismantled terrorist cells in 2023, attributing it to the Kingdom’s proactive strategy and the security services’ readiness to address evolving threats.
El Hafidi highlighted an increased presence of the Sahel and Sahara region in operations dismantling terrorist cells, indicating ongoing connections between arrested members and tension hotspots in these areas.
Political analyst Driss El Ganbouri also observed a decrease in dismantled cells and arrests related to terrorism in 2023. He highlighted Morocco’s broader international recognition for combating terrorism, notably from partners like the European Union, the United States, and the United Nations.
Driss El Ganbouri praised Morocco’s multifaceted approach to combating extremism across educational, religious, security, and intelligence domains. He noted Morocco’s capability to provide technical support to European countries constrained by legal and political limitations in their counterterrorism efforts.
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