Morocco says it dismantled ISIS cell planning attacks on strategic sites

RABAT, Morocco — Moroccan security forces dismantled an ISIS-linked terrorist cell that was planning attacks on strategic locations in the country, the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation said in a statement on Monday. The bureau, which leads counterterrorism probes in Morocco, said the operation targeted a cell affiliated with ISIS's Sahel branch and that preparations for the attacks had reached an advanced stage, posing a threat to public order, lives and property. Domestic intelligence units carried out simultaneous raids in Agadir, Taroudant, Casablanca, El Hajeb, Tetouan, Fquih Ben Salah and Safi, detaining 10 suspects, according to the statement. Preliminary investigations found that the suspects had pledged allegiance to ISIS and received direct instructions from the group's Sahel branch to carry out attacks in Morocco, with operational support and logistical coordination provided by that branch. According to the bureau, ISIS's African affiliates have recruited more than 130 Moroccan nationals in recent years. No further details on the detained suspects or pending charges were immediately available.