SAA event in Morocco on Sat 25th January 2025

We now know more about the unprecedented operation carried out by the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations last Sunday against a dangerous terrorist group that was planning terrorist acts, namely carrying out attacks using explosives against predetermined targets, attacks that were in their final stages of preparation by the four people who made up this cell.

Thus, the director of the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations, Cherkaoui Haboub, presented on Thursday, January 30, 2025, details about the intentions of this cell, the identities of its members, and the operation that led to their arrest.

It should be noted that on Sunday morning, January 26, 2025, the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), thanks to precise information provided by the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), thwarted a plot to carry out attacks using explosives. These operations, coordinated by the DGST's Special Forces in collaboration with BCIJ personnel, the Air Unit, and the Royal Gendarmerie's Judicial Center, resulted in the arrest of four extremist individuals belonging to the ISIS terrorist organization, including three brothers. All four are between 26 and 35 years old.

The director of the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations confirmed to us that these individuals come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have low levels of education. One worked as a street vendor, another had seasonal work, and a third was unemployed. Only one member had a stable job as an employee. They are all single, with the exception of the cell leader, whose wife is currently being questioned by the relevant authorities.

Although the group pledged allegiance to ISIS and intended to join the terrorist organization in the Sahel region, it acted as an isolated cell, without any clear links to other groups. Family ties formed the basis of this cell, composed of lone wolves. Nevertheless, ISIS's influence remains strong. This demonstrates that global terrorism, though weakened, is still active, albeit with a shift in its arena, as the Sahel has become its new battleground.

Returning to the operation that took place last Sunday, Cherkaoui Haboub emphasized the high level of coordination between the various agencies, which led to its resounding success. He highlighted the valuable contribution—a first for the Royal Gendarmerie—which notably deployed a helicopter. The intervention teams operated according to a precise protocol, with perfect harmony between the various specialized units involved. This was particularly true for the snipers positioned on the helicopter and on the rooftops surrounding the operation site. The objective was to neutralize any potential violent or dangerous reaction from the cell members upon their arrest.

This also applies to the bomb disposal teams, whose primary role was to neutralize and confiscate the chemical and explosive materials in the organization's possession. According to the investigation, the suspects visited four different pharmacies in Had Soualem on a single day to purchase raw materials used in the manufacture of explosives. These materials were then stored in the home of one of the suspects for experimental preparations.

A unit of police dogs specializing in detecting explosive devices was able to pinpoint the exact locations of these materials. All teams worked in a coordinated manner to prevent any injuries during the operation. This was all preceded by meticulous intelligence work that allowed the operation to proceed without incident.