Morocco Arrests 5 Sympathizers of ISIS

Members of Morocco's Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ) deploy outside a house in the southern city of Errachidia, on September 14, 2021. (AFP)
Members of Morocco's Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ) deploy outside a house in the southern city of Errachidia, on September 14, 2021. (AFP)
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Morocco Arrests 5 Sympathizers of ISIS

Members of Morocco's Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ) deploy outside a house in the southern city of Errachidia, on September 14, 2021. (AFP)
Members of Morocco's Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ) deploy outside a house in the southern city of Errachidia, on September 14, 2021. (AFP)

Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) services have arrested five sympathizers of the terrorist ISIS group for their alleged involvement in planning individual or collective plots to seriously undermine public order.

The arrests, which took place on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, were carried out on the basis of accurate information provided by the Directorate General of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), said a statement released by the BCIJ.

BCIJ special forces have initiated their intervention in separate operations targeting the five suspects, aged between 20 and 45 years, in Douar Habata Benmansour in the province of Kenitra, Sidi Yahya Zaer, Dchira in Inzegane Ait Melloul, Bouaboud in Chichaoua and Casablanca, specified the same source.

According to the investigation's preliminary data, each of these suspects had pledged his "allegiance" to ISIS and prepared terrorist plots against vital services in Morocco, using explosive material, or targeting security institutions as part of "individual terrorism" operations.

The probe also revealed that some of the suspects were receiving training in the manufacture of explosive devices, the statement indicated.

Security services seized a shotgun and ammunition at the place of residence of the suspect arrested in Kenitra, in addition to weapons.

The five individuals were placed in custody for further questioning by the BCIJ to shed more light on all terrorist plots and identify potential connections to terrorist organizations abroad.



Witkoff Says US Expects Phase Two of Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal to Proceed

FILE PHOTO: US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/Pool/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/Pool/File Photo
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Witkoff Says US Expects Phase Two of Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal to Proceed

FILE PHOTO: US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/Pool/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/Pool/File Photo

President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday the US expects the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal to go forward and that he would visit the Middle East in the coming week.

Witkoff made the comments in a CNN 'State of the Union' interview after being asked about Israel's decision to postpone the release of Palestinian prisoners and detainees and how he expected the ceasefire to be impacted by developments in the region.

"We have to get an extension of phase one," Reuters quoted Witkoff as saying. "I'll be going to the region this week, probably Wednesday, to negotiate that."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Sunday Israel was waiting to deliver 620 Palestinian prisoners and detainees "until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies." Hamas handed over six hostages from Gaza on Saturday.

Some Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners and detainees have been released as part of a three-phase ceasefire in Gaza that went into effect just before Trump took office on January 20.

Palestinian officials have cited the blindfolding and binding of hands of Palestinian prisoners and detainees and warnings against holding celebrations at their release as examples of their humiliation by Israeli authorities.
Israel cites Hamas making hostages appear on stage in front of crowds and sometimes speak before they are handed over, as well as parading coffins with hostage remains through crowds.
Witkoff told CNN that Netanyahu was "well-motivated" and that Hamas cannot continue to govern Gaza.