Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ) dismantled on Thursday a six-member terror cell following raids in several cities around the Casablanca area, including Mohammedia, El Jadida, Sidi Bennour, and Marrakech.
A statement from the Ministry of the Interior revealed that one of the six radicalized suspects, aged between 27 and 40, had spent time in prison over links with ISIS terrorists in Libya.
A preliminary investigation found the suspects had pledged allegiance to ISIS and had plotted terror attacks across Morocco.
Police placed all suspects in custody pending further investigation.
Last Sunday, the ministry announced the repatriation of eight Moroccan extremists, describing the operation as a "humanitarian” move.
The process is also part of Morocco's contribution to international efforts in the fight against terrorism as well as fulfilling its responsibility in protecting its citizens, it said.
In the same context, Dr. Ahmad al-Abbadi, Secretary General of Al Rabita Al-Muhammadiyah Association for scholars, called for distancing communities and minds from extremism.
During a seminar on women leadership for peace and limiting terrorism and religious extremism, he stressed the importance of women in combating hate speech.
Leila Rhiwi, UN Women's Maghreb Representative, said that extremism and terrorism are increasingly targeting women, giving the examples of rape and forced marriage.
