Political analyst: Morocco achieved strong accomplishments in defeating terrorism and extremist groups

During the past years, Morocco has made significant efforts to dry up the sources of extremism through the adoption of scientific curricula that raise awareness about the dangers of religious radicalism and the implementation of a comprehensive approach to counterterrorism. The Moroccan police have successfully apprehended dozens of individuals suspected of being involved in terrorist activities and projects through preemptive security campaigns in the kingdom.

Details of apprehending the terrorists

In the past week, security forces carried out separate operations in several cities, resulting in the arrest of about 50 individuals suspected of being linked to “terrorist projects,” according to local media reports citing security sources. The news website affiliated with Moroccan public television reported that “synchronized security operations led to the arrest of around 50 individuals in various Moroccan cities as part of preemptive operations to combat terrorism.” Security sources indicated that 21 of these detainees were placed under “temporary custody.” The website added that the suspects “caught the attention of specialized security agencies due to their actions that revealed their allegiance to extremist groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda.” It was also reported that “white weapons” and “books and manuscripts calling for jihad, as well as writings used in the manufacturing of explosives,” were seized in the homes of some of the detainees.

Strong efforts

Hisham Al-Najjar, a specialist in terrorist groups’ affairs, says that Morocco achieved strong accomplishments in defeating terrorism and all terrorist groups by carrying out operations to combat terrorism and thwart attack plans. The kingdom has generally remained safe from terrorist attacks in recent years, and the Moroccan authorities have implemented a preemptive plan in counterterrorism that has successfully dismantled dozens of terrorist cells since the suicide bombings that shook Casablanca in the past years.

The specialist in terrorist groups’ affairs added that the Moroccan agencies have, on numerous occasions, managed to thwart terrorist attacks in European countries through balanced cooperation and reliable information, leading to the arrest of extremists planning attacks in Europe. He considers Morocco a reliable partner in the fight against terrorism, noting that it has largely succeeded in curbing the growth of terrorist activities.

He explained that Morocco’s efforts, both locally, regionally, and internationally, in combating terrorism have resulted in the arrest of a significant number of terrorists and the dismantling of terrorist cells planning to carry out operations targeting various vital targets, governmental and security figures, and foreign headquarters.