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.



China's Xi Visits Morocco, Meets with Crown Prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
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China's Xi Visits Morocco, Meets with Crown Prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a short visit to Morocco on Thursday, according to state media from both countries.
Xi was welcomed in Casablanca by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and the visit reflected the strong bonds of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between the Moroccan and Chinese peoples, Morocco's MAP said.
The Crown Prince and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch met Xi at the airport, where Xi and Hassan had a "cordial conversation", China's state broadcaster CCTV said.
Xi made the visit after being in Brazil for the G20 Summit.
China has stepped up investments in Morocco's infrastructure and rail sector in recent years.
Morocco's geographic location close to Europe, its free trade agreements with key EU and US markets and its existing automotive industry, make it attractive to Chinese electric vehicle battery makers.
In June, Chinese EV battery manufacturer Gotion High Tech picked Morocco to set up Africa's first gigafactory for a total cost of $1.3 billion.