Morocco Dismantles ISIS-Linked Terror Cell Planning Imminent Attacks

Moroccan authorities have arrested 12 individuals accused of plotting attacks on behalf of the Islamic State (IS) in the Sahel, highlighting growing security threats posed by extremist groups operating in the region south of the Sahara Desert.

Officials described the foiled plan as an “imminent dangerous terrorist plot,” emphasizing the increasing ambitions of militants linked to IS affiliates in the Sahel. While authorities did not disclose detailed motives or specific targets, they confirmed that the suspects intended to carry out remote-controlled bombings. Images released by security forces showed police raids, seized weapons, IS symbols painted on walls, and large sums of cash.

“Morocco remains a major target in the agenda of all terrorist organizations operating in the Sahel,” said Habboub Cherkaoui, head of the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations, during a press conference.

Militant groups in the Sahel — particularly after the withdrawal of French forces nearly two years ago — have sought to expand their influence by exploiting instability in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The Islamic State in the Sahel has since intensified its campaigns, captured key transit routes, and gained support in marginalized communities. This resurgence has alarmed neighboring countries in North and West Africa, as well as Western governments concerned about broader regional spillover.

According to officials, the Moroccan cell called itself “Lions of the Caliphate in the Maghreb” and reportedly received instructions from IS commanders in the Sahel. Moroccan intelligence services monitored the group for over a year, uncovering efforts by IS leaders to recruit, arm, and direct operatives to launch attacks within Morocco.

Weapons seized during the operation included materials for constructing explosives such as nail bombs, dynamite, gas cylinders, as well as rifles, handguns with erased serial numbers, knives, and ammunition. Investigators said the 12 arrested suspects, aged between 18 and 40, were detained in nine cities including Casablanca, Fez, and Tangier. Most were unmarried and had not completed high school. They have not yet been formally charged under Morocco’s counterterrorism legislation.

Authorities also discovered a weapons cache near Morocco’s border with Algeria, hidden in the desert and wrapped in newspapers printed in Mali in late January. Security services indicated that the suspects had past ties to Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi, an IS leader from Western Sahara who was killed by French forces in 2021. They are now believed to have been directed by Libyan commander Abderrahmane Sahraoui, who oversees operations outside the Sahel.

A terrorist attack would be particularly damaging to Morocco’s economy, which relies heavily on tourism. The North African kingdom welcomed more than 17 million visitors last year, with tourism contributing over 7 percent of GDP.

Morocco has not suffered a major terrorist incident in more than a decade, but authorities frequently stress that the threat persists. Security agencies say at least 40 extremist cells have been dismantled in recent years, including one as recently as January.

Cherkaoui said the latest operation demonstrated IS in the Sahel’s intent to extend its influence into Morocco, either by establishing operational networks or recruiting Moroccans to fight abroad, including in Somalia. He said IS-linked groups openly express their desire to target Morocco and view the country’s robust counterterrorism strategy as a challenge.

Morocco has positioned itself as a regional leader in countering violent extremism, strengthening cooperation with Sahelian governments. Last month, it signed a joint military cooperation agreement with Mali, underscoring its role in regional security efforts.