Morocco announces dismantling of two new terrorist cells with links in Mali

Moroccan authorities, which described the proliferation of extremist networks as a source of concern in January, on Sunday [6 May] reported that two new cells "operating under the terrorist ideology" in Nador (North) region have been dismantled. 

"A Ministry of Interior communique said the two cells were active in the area under the name "Al Mouahidine" and "Attaouhid". According to the communique, quoted by MAP Agency, members - whose number is not specified - especially resorted to a series of robbery in the name of jihad (istihal) and were in contact with radicals operating in northern Mali. 

The alleged members of the two cells, including 'two former detainees under the Anti-Terrorism Act' also forged ties with extremist circles outside the national territory", said the communique.

They were arrested following an operation of the National Brigade of the Criminal Investigation Department and are currently undergoing interrogation, said the Ministry of the Interior. 

In January, the Ministry described as "source of concern" "the infiltration" of extremist networks, and announced the dismantling of a cell working on recruitment and indoctrination of young Moroccans' to send them to accomplish "jihad within terrorist organizations linked to Al-Qa'idah. 

A few weeks earlier, Morocco said it had already dismantled several cells recruiting for Al-Qa'idah in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in the Rif (North) and even in the Fes (Central) region.

 

 

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