Twenty-Seven Jihadist Cell Dismantled in Morocco since 2013

Paris– Twenty-seven jihadist cells have been dismantled in Morocco since 2013, said Minister of the Interior, Mohamed Assad, stressing that the Kingdom adopts both an operational and preventive approach in the fight against the terrorist threat.

In an interview published by the international weekly “Jeune Afrique” to be released Sunday, Mr. Assad said eight jihadist cells were dismantled between January and May this year and another 14 in the year 2014, noting that the terrorist threat is “real Morocco, as elsewhere.”

The minister also said that counter-terrorism operations, both internally and in the framework of cooperation with foreign partners including Spain, are “inconclusive,” stressing that “nothing is possible without preventive work “.

It has, in this regard, emphasized the importance of religious guidance, upgrading of criminal law, the fight against precariousness and exclusion through the INDH and enhanced security feature Hadar set up throughout the country, noting that “this multidimensional commitment was more than once hailed by the international community.”

“It is no coincidence that Morocco was elected in May as co-chair of the Global Forum of fight against terrorism,” he argued.

Mr. Assad has also said that Morocco, which is aware of the risk of recruiting Moroccans including ex-prisoners by terrorist groups, radicalization has initiated measures through the Mohammed VI Foundation for the reintegration of prisoners and support programs for micro-projects and self-employment, adding that the religious field by promoting a moderate and tolerant Islam is not neglected in prison.

The minister said, moreover, that the number of Moroccan fighters in the ranks of Daesh Iraq and Syria is estimated at 1,350, including 220 ex-prisoners, adding that several of them in responsible positions terrorist organizations, which may explain “the appointment of Moroccans.”

These fighters recruited via the Internet and social networks, or through touts, often close relatives, has he indicated, adding that the funding is through internal transfers of funds to networks.

Mr. Assad has, on the other hand, said that among these fighters, 286 were killed in conflict zones, while 156 others returned to Morocco.