In their continuous efforts to curb the rise of terrorism, Moroccan security services dismantled, Friday, August 29, an Islamist network operating under Al Qaeda Maghreb. It is the fourth Islamist network to be dismantled in Morocco since the beginning of 2008. The group called “Fath Al Andalous” (reconquest of Andalusia) with close ties to foreign terrorist organizations are said to have been planning attacks in Morocco.
15 Moroccans from Agadir, Casablanca, and Essaouira have so far been arrested. Moroccan sources have also confirmed that the security services are actively searching for some elements who are still at large.
Those arrested had in their possession, chemicals and electronic equipment used in the making of explosives and bombs. Their ages vary between 25 and 30 years, and are employed in the informal sector, according to plausible Moroccan sources.
In its vigilant fight against terrorism, the Moroccan government has invited the civil society to take part “in the struggle”. Moroccans have therefore been advised to inform the authorities over all suspicious activities.
Although the dismantling of this terrorist network, the fourth since the beginning of this year, reassures citizens of the north African country, many still believe that the Al Qaeda network will continually be replenished through its dormant networks that are beyond any control. This explains the need to use information from ordinary citizens.
Meanwhile, Moroccan authorities have called for a more flexible collaboration with Algerian security services. Morocco and its neighbour, Algeria, have joined forces in order to deal with terrorist networks in the Northern African region.
