The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), under the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), dismantled a terrorist cell loyal to the so-called «Islamic State» early Wednesday morning. The cell consisted of four extremists, aged between 20 and 27, operating between the cities of Tetouan and Chefchaouen. According to a statement from BCIJ, searches carried out at the suspects' homes led to the seizure of a handwritten pledge of allegiance to the self-proclaimed leader of ISIS, along with a video recording of the pledge. Authorities also confiscated an ISIS flag, a black outfit comprising trousers and a jacket bearing extremist slogans, as well as mock weapons, including a scoped rifle and two handguns. Several electronic devices were also seized and are now undergoing forensic examination. The investigation revealed the cell was actively preparing terrorist plots aligned with ISIS's agenda to destabilize Morocco. The suspects had already begun field tests in a mountainous area near Tetouan as part of their efforts to manufacture explosive devices. Authorities also found that the suspects had documented their allegiance to ISIS in both written and video form, reportedly seeking endorsement from the group's leadership for their planned attacks. The four individuals have been taken into custody for further questioning under the supervision of the public prosecutor's office specializing in terrorism-related cases. The investigation aims to uncover the full scope of their plans, as well as any potential networks or links to other extremist cells.
