Dismantling of a Terrorist Cell in Had Soualem: The Details of a Foiled Plot
The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) held a press conference this Thursday, revealing details of a major security operation that led to the dismantling of a terrorist cell in the advanced stages of planning explosive attacks. This operation, carried out in coordination with various security services, successfully neutralized an imminent threat, demonstrating Morocco’s vigilance against the dangers of terrorism.
According to explanations provided by Habboub Cherkaoui, director of the BCIJ, the cell in question, dubbed “the three brothers’ cell,” had reached an advanced stage of planning. Its members had pledged allegiance to a self-proclaimed emir via a video and had already conducted detailed reconnaissance of potential targets, as well as escape routes to be used after executing the attacks. This meticulous approach highlights the high level of danger posed by this organization, which was plotting to strike strategic locations.
The profile of the arrested individuals reveals a concerning pattern: they are four in total, three of them brothers, with a low level of education and precarious jobs. Two of them are married. Their radicalization took place within a family setting, illustrating a worrying trend of indoctrination within households. The presumed leader of the cell is said to have used his influence to impose an extremist ideology on his surroundings, a phenomenon increasingly observed in Morocco.
Investigators have also highlighted a strategic shift in the modus operandi of terrorist organizations, particularly Daesh, which now prioritizes recruitment within families. This tactic aims to strengthen internal cohesion within cells and ensure stronger commitment from recruits. Furthermore, the links between these extremist groups and networks operating in the Sahel region are becoming increasingly evident, presenting an additional security challenge for Morocco.
The operation that led to the neutralization of this cell involved several elite units, including special forces, explosives experts, and canine teams specialized in detecting explosive devices. Coordination between the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) and the Royal Gendarmerie was crucial to the success of the intervention, which took place simultaneously in two residences located in residential areas of Had Soualem. Finally, authorities reiterate that the Sahel region remains a major source of concern, with at least 130 Moroccans having joined active jihadist groups in the area. The dismantled cell was planning to target sensitive infrastructure and locations frequented by both Moroccan and foreign civilians. Thanks to this swift intervention, a potential catastrophe was averted, reaffirming Morocco’s commitment to combating terrorism and preventing radicalization within society.