Morocco Dismantles Terrorist Cell, Foils Dangerous Plots

 Morocco's Interior Ministry says that 1,212 Moroccans belong to terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria. At least 100 have been arrested on their return. (File photo: Reuters)
Morocco's Interior Ministry says that 1,212 Moroccans belong to terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria. At least 100 have been arrested on their return. (File photo: Reuters)
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Morocco Dismantles Terrorist Cell, Foils Dangerous Plots

 Morocco's Interior Ministry says that 1,212 Moroccans belong to terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria. At least 100 have been arrested on their return. (File photo: Reuters)
Morocco's Interior Ministry says that 1,212 Moroccans belong to terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria. At least 100 have been arrested on their return. (File photo: Reuters)

The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ) in Morocco dismantled on Thursday a terrorist cell with suspected links to ISIS, and foiled its imminent and dangerous plots. This serves the relentless efforts to fight terrorism and protect Morocco against sabotage.

BCIJ carried out security operations simultaneously in the cities of Tangier, Tiflet, Temara and Skhirat, which resulted in the arrest of five suspected extremists aged between 29 and 43 years old.

One of the suspects arrested in Tiflet fiercely resisted security forces, injuring one of them with a sharp tool, said the BCIJ.

Another suspect arrested in the town of Temara tried to blow himself up with a large gas cylinder, which forced security forces to fire four bullets, stun grenades, and smoke bombs to blur the suspect's vision to apprehend him.

Three explosive belts, 15 bottles containing chemical materials, 2 electric detonators, electronic equipment, chemical powder, and electric cables were among the dangerous equipment seized during the operations, the BCIJ said.

The research and investigations carried out reveal that the head of the terrorist cell had planned, along with other suspects, to carry out terrorist operations targeting several facilities and sensitive sites, using explosive devices and belts to destabilize the security and stability of the North African kingdom.



Salam Continues to Face Obstacles in Lebanon’s Government Formation

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salaf addresses reporters at the Baabda Palace on Jan. 14, 2025 (Reuters)
Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salaf addresses reporters at the Baabda Palace on Jan. 14, 2025 (Reuters)
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Salam Continues to Face Obstacles in Lebanon’s Government Formation

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salaf addresses reporters at the Baabda Palace on Jan. 14, 2025 (Reuters)
Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salaf addresses reporters at the Baabda Palace on Jan. 14, 2025 (Reuters)

The formation of Lebanon’s new government remains stalled due to the demands of political factions, particularly the “Shiite Duo” (Hezbollah and the Amal Movement), which is reportedly insisting on obtaining five ministerial portfolios, including the Ministry of Finance.

These conditions are obstructing Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam’s efforts to form a 24-member cabinet, with extensive discussions focused on the distribution of ministerial portfolios.

His objective is to create a government capable of implementing the critical reforms that Lebanon needs urgently.

MP Mark Daou, who is familiar with Salam’s deliberations, believes there is still an opportunity for success. Daou warned that if the “Shiite Duo” holds onto  its demands, it must bear responsibility for the consequences.

Daou dismissed claims from officials within the “Shiite Duo” that they have secured the Ministry of Finance portfolio, reiterating that the matter is still under discussion. He also highlighted the premier-designate’s previous statements that no ministry is the exclusive right of any party.

MP Razi El Hage from the Lebanese Forces described the cabinet formation process as “constructive and effective,” while accusing his opponents of employing the same procrastination tactics used in the presidential election and the designation of a prime minister.

In a related context, MP Waddah Sadek took to X to stress that the constitution remains the sole reference for government formation. He wrote: “Certain parliamentary blocs must recognize that the constitution is our only framework and that the formation of the government will strictly adhere to this principle.”

Separately, MP Fouad Makhzoumi proposed that Salam form a smaller, 14-member cabinet. On X, Makhzoumi wrote: “I reiterate what I proposed during the non-binding parliamentary consultations with Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam: the need to form a rescue government of 14 ministers, composed of specialists and highly competent individuals, equipped with exceptional powers to lead the country through this crisis-laden phase.”

He added: “The new government must meet the aspirations of the Lebanese people and address the unprecedented economic, social, and living challenges. These include resolving the issue of depositors’ funds, advancing the Beirut Port explosion investigation, conducting forensic audits of the Central Bank and state ministries, overseeing reconstruction efforts, ensuring the implementation of Resolution 1701, and solidifying the ceasefire agreement.”