Morocco Faces Terrorist Threats from the Sahel: Enhanced Vigilance

During a press conference held on Monday, February 24, the head of the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), Cherkaoui Habboub, highlighted the growing dangers posed by terrorist groups operating in the Sahel and southern Sahara to Morocco’s security. He particularly emphasized the ambition of these organizations, especially Daesh, to establish a permanent presence in the Kingdom and develop active cells in coordination with their African branches.

The anti-terrorist operation of February 19, which led to the dismantling of the “Lions of the Caliphate in Extreme Maghreb” cell, illustrates this growing threat. This group aimed to create an operational base in Morocco under the aegis of the “Daesh wilaya in the Sahel.” According to the BCIJ, the dismantled cell operated under the direction of a restricted committee responsible for executing terrorist operations, in direct contact with Daesh’s external command.

This threat is not new. For several years, groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and Daesh have sought to establish themselves in Morocco, but without success, thanks to the efforts of intelligence services. However, the increase in infiltration attempts and the frequency of dismantled terrorist cells confirm that the Kingdom has become a strategic target for these organizations, due to its geopolitical position and its key role in counterterrorism in North Africa.

To date, Moroccan authorities have dismantled more than 40 cells with direct ties to Sahelian terrorist organizations. Some of them specialized in indoctrination and the training of fighters destined to carry out attacks on Moroccan soil. This phenomenon is increasingly linked to international connections, as demonstrated by the role played by Daesh leaders in the Sahel in directing terrorist operations targeting the Kingdom.

The security situation in the Sahel remains an aggravating factor. Political instability, the vast ungoverned territories, and collusion between terrorist groups and criminal networks provide fertile ground for the expansion of jihadist organizations. For Morocco, this interconnection represents a threat not only to its national security but also to Europe’s, as these groups seek to expand their operations internationally.

The dismantling of the “Lions of the Caliphate in Extreme Maghreb” cell echoes past incidents, such as the Amgala cell in 2011 or the Tangier cell in 2005, both linked to Al-Qaeda. However, recent developments show an increased sophistication in the methods employed, with remote management of sleeper cells by terrorist leaders based in the Sahel, as well as active recruitment of Moroccan fighters.

The participation of Moroccans in Daesh and Al-Qaeda activities is a major concern. Several Moroccan figures have played key roles within these groups, such as Nour-Eddine Al-Youbi and Ali Maïchou, both deceased. Some of these fighters have even reached strategic positions, directly influencing attack planning. This situation underscores the need for continued reinforcement of security measures and greater international cooperation to counter this transnational threat.

In response to this reality, Moroccan intelligence services remain on high alert to prevent any attempted attack on national territory. Thanks to their expertise and ability to anticipate threats, they have successfully thwarted numerous terrorist plots, confirming Morocco’s crucial role in the fight against extremism in the region. However, the persistent threat calls for constant vigilance and strengthened coordination with regional and international partners.