Morocco has ranked 89th on the 2024 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), standing out as a haven of stability in a world facing a renewed wave of terrorism.
This achievement comes as the country maintains its remarkable record of zero terrorist attacks for the fifth year.
The ranking system assigns higher numbers to countries deemed more vulnerable to terrorism threats, reflecting a positive trend for Morocco compared to 2023, where the country ranked 83rd.
The GTI report paints a concerning global picture, with 2024 registering a worrying rise in terrorist attacks. While the number of attacks decreased by 23% compared to 2022, the number of fatalities attributed to terrorism jumped by 22% to 8,352.
In this bleak context, Morocco’s counter-terrorism measures have proven efficient by prioritizing economic and human development alongside security measures to counter violent extremism.
These strategies go beyond just monitoring radicalization and the religious sphere. The government has taken a proactive approach by developing an educational program for its imams and Islamic scholars, aiming to unify religious messaging within Morocco and through institutions across Muslim and African countries.
Morocco’s unwavering commitment to fighting terrorism extends beyond its borders. A recent example is their pivotal role in Operation MIYA, a large-scale anti-terror operation launched by Spain in 2021.
The operation successfully arrested extremists dismantled ISIS networks across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, and seized funding from the group.
Morocco’s success in tackling terrorism hasn’t gone unnoticed by the international community. In December 2023, the US State Department lauded Morocco’s comprehensive approach in its 2022 Country Report on Terrorism.
The report commended Morocco’s efforts to strengthen its security apparatus and foster robust cooperation with the United States on counterterrorism measures.
The State Department highlighted the “vigilant security measures, regional and international cooperation, and counter-radicalization policies” employed by Moroccan authorities.
The report acknowledged the strong security partnership between the US and Morocco, calling for its continued reinforcement.
While Morocco’s terrorism-related arrests saw a decrease compared to pre-pandemic years, the vigilance of its security services remains high.
The State Department report cites data revealing that at least 20 individuals were apprehended in 10 successful counterterrorism operations during 2022.
These operations included the dismantling of nascent terror cells plotting attacks against security installations and prominent public figures.
Morocco’s continued success in mitigating terrorist threats within its borders provides a model for other countries struggling with similar challenges.
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