Morocco has effectively countered terrorism through its adept intelligence services, capable of identifying terrorist leaders and liberating numerous hostages, as asserted by Mehdi El Karouani, a university professor specializing in geopolitical analysis.
In a global landscape marked by predominantly asymmetrical armed conflicts, Morocco distinguishes itself as the sole player, both on the continental and worldwide stages, equipped with security, legal, and operational mechanisms capable of confronting, containing, and neutralizing the terrorist menace.
From the Moroccan Sahara, where terrorist assaults by the Polisario target civilians, to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and incidents of hostage-taking in Mali, Africa remains heavily marked by the proliferation of terrorism. This threat results in the daily tragic loss of innocent lives, affecting nations such as Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Nigeria. Nevertheless, Morocco has efficiently tackled terrorism through its capable intelligence services, showcasing an unparalleled effectiveness in securing its territorial integrity.
Over the course of a year, Morocco has achieved substantial progress in the fight against terrorism, solidifying its pivotal role and effectiveness in countering security threats, both nationally and internationally.
In December 2022, the release of Jörg Lange, a 63-year-old German and member of a humanitarian organization based in Berlin, held hostage by a jihadist group in Mali.
In January 2023, the dismantling of a cell affiliated with the Islamic State (IS), consisting of three suspects in Spain and Morocco during a joint security operation, with the arrest of an “extremist element” by the special forces of the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) in Chtouka Aït Baha.
In March 2023, successful interventions and arrests in separate operations targeting three individuals affiliated with Daesh, aged between 19 and 28, in Souk El Arbaa du Gharb, Tétouan, and Larache.
In May 2023, the dismantling of a Daesh-affiliated terrorist cell consisting of three individuals in the northern part of the country.
In May 2023, the liberation of Moroccan cyclists Abderrahmane Serhani and Driss Fatihi, abducted on April 1, 2023, by an armed group at the Niger-Burkina Faso border, thanks to security coordination between Morocco and Nigeria.
In August 2023, the liberation of Iulian Ghergut, a Romanian national held hostage in Burkina Faso by the Al-Mourabitoune group affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
In October 2023, the dismantling of a terrorist group affiliated with the Islamic State on the verge of attacking the cities of Tanger, Tétouan, and Inezgane Ait Melloul.
In November 2023, the decoration of the Moroccan Intelligence Service, led by Mr. Mohamed Yassine Mansouri, with the National Order “The Star of Romania” (Grand Officer rank) by the President of Romania, Klaus Werner Johannis.
In November 2023, the elimination of the Polisario’s terrorist leader, Abdel Salam Ould Asouillem, by a Moroccan drone.
In November 2023, the arrest of an individual responsible for false bomb threats in Belgium.
In December 2023, the arrest of an extremist in Farkhana, Nador region, in collaboration with the Spanish police, was conducted jointly with the General Information Directorate.
In December 2023, the dismantling of a cryptocurrency operations network affiliated with the Islamic State in several regions of Spain with the collaboration of Morocco.
According to the expert, Morocco emerges as an example of “coordination” and “synergy” in the battle against terrorism. These notable achievements, whether in the liberation of hostages or the dismantling of terrorist cells, reflect the collective strength committed to ensuring security. Consequently, conscientious, serious, and concerted efforts consolidate Morocco’s position in promoting peace and stability on a global scale.