Moroccan authorities announced Wednesday they foiled a major terrorist plot that was hatched by ISIS branch operating in the Sahel region to undermine the Kingdom’s stability.
A large-scale anti-terror operation was carried out simultaneously by Moroccan special units in the cities of Laayoune, Casablanca, Fez, Taounate, Tangier, Azemmour, Jersif, Oulad Tayma and Tamsna (near Rabat), said a press release issued by the National police.
Twelve extremists aged between 18 and 40 years were captured. The police seized four gas bottles containing nails and chemicals, plugged to pipes & electrical wires, all connected to mobile phones for remote detonation.
They also seized a pressure cooker containing nails & chemicals used in making explosives, bladed weapons, cash in U.S. dollars and several bags containing suspicious chemicals.
Investigators found in their premises binoculars, two imitation firearms, digital materials, electronic devices, ISIS logo and documents with detailed mapping of some targeted sites and facilities.
According to intelligence reports, members of this terrorist network were receiving orders from a senior ISIS leader in the Sahel. He provided them with financing and logistical support, explaining the modus operandi of jihadist operations.
The terror cell was planning to carry out attacks against public forces, the country’s sensitive economic & security facilities as well as foreign interests in Morocco.