Terror Cell Busted Thursday Planned to Attack Sensitive Locations to Undermine National Economy

The terror cell dismantled on Thursday planned to attack sensitive locations to undermine Morocco’s economy, a source close to investigations said on Saturday.

Locations included shopping center “Morocco Mall”, OCP’s headquarters and Casablanca-based Regie des Tabacs, the source added.

These sites are part of a set of targets to be attacked by this terror cell, “using firearms and bomb attacks prior to the establishment of a wilaya that swears allegiance to the Islamic state.”

The terror cell also planned to attack “Sofitel” and “Al Madina” hotels in Essaouira, to kill Western tourists in the same city, to assassinate civilian and military figures, to attack military barracks, in particular in Meknes and Marrakech, military units at the Moroccan-Algerian border and police officers to take over their weapons, the source said.

A minor, who was arrested during the operation, was planning to infiltrate the parliament to execute a suicide bomb attack, the source added.

Moroccan authorities have foiled “dangerous” terrorist attacks after dismantling, Thursday, a terror cell composed of 10 people, including a French national, and seizing weapons and ammunition.

The members of this terrorist cell were active in the cities of Essaouira, Meknes and Sidi Kacem.