Moroccan security forces have dismantled a staggering number of terror cells, a total of over 212. This includes 150 cells dismantled between 2003 and 2016, and an additional 62 cells neutralized between 2017 and 2023, according to a recent study published in “Scientific Readings in Legal Research and Human Sciences,” researcher Soukaina Hawara.
These operations resulted in the arrest of thousands of suspects, demonstrating Morocco’s unwavering resolve in safeguarding its citizens.
The study says that Morocco’s security strategy has been effective in tackling terrorism and radicalization.
The country has successfully disrupted operations planned by extremists linked to Middle Eastern and North African groups, including ISIS and neutralized threats posed by these organizations.
The study notes that despite a 2018 attack on tourists near Marrakech, Morocco’s vigilance and collaboration with European and American partners have ensured they gather crucial intelligence domestically and abroad.
Delving into the geographical spread of these threats, teh study reveals that preparations for terroristic attacks spanned across Morocco, targeting cities, suburbs, and even villages.
Most dismantled cells belonged to ISIS, except for the one responsible for the 2018 tourist murders linked to al-Qaeda. However, the possibility of collaboration between these groups remains a concern.
The author sheds light on the evolving threat landscape in the Sahel region, where terrorist organizations, organized crime, and irregular migration converge. ISIS exploits ethnic tensions to form alliances and fuel extremism, jeopardizing regional security.
To counter this threat in the Sahara region, Morocco has adopted a three-pronged approach: security, development, and religion.
By promoting development, Morocco aims to steer people away from extremist groups. Religion also plays a vital role in combating radical ideology. Morocco uses this approach in these regions to advocate for moderation.
The study reveals that recruitment for terrorist attacks has expanded to coastal cities, border towns, inland areas, and even the outskirts of the Sahara. This coincides with the rise in Moroccan ISIS fighters.
Morocco has also played a significant role in dismantling terrorist cells globally. Through continuous collaboration with European and American security agencies, Morocco tracks these cells and takes preemptive action.
The paper points out that ordinary citizens are the backbone of Morocco’s intelligence system. By providing information about suspicious activity in their neighborhoods, they enable authorities to neutralize potential threats before they materialize.
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