Moroccan security forces have dismantled a six-member terrorist cell following targeted operations on April 5 and 6, 2026.
The group, described as being “steeped in extremist ideology,” primarily targeted rural areas, according to a statement released Tuesday by the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ).
The suspects were apprehended during coordinated raids in Casablanca, Kenitra, Sidi Taïbi, and the Dar El Gueddari region of Sidi Kacem Province. Investigations revealed a criminal modus operandi centered on “legitimising the loot”—a process of funding extremist activities through theft and money laundering. Specifically, the cell is accused of raiding livestock farms near Kenitra and Sidi Slimane, then reselling the stolen goods in markets across the Safi and Sidi Bennour provinces.
During the sweep, authorities seized extremist manuscripts, bladed weapons, and significant sums of Moroccan dirhams believed to be criminal proceeds. Officers also confiscated equipment used in the robberies, including a balaclava, gloves, a motorcycle, and two vans used for transporting stolen livestock.
The BCIJ, operating under the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody. Ongoing investigations, supervised by the Prosecutor General’s Office for terrorism and extremism, aim to uncover the full extent of the group’s criminal network and identify any remaining accomplices.
AK/MK/f/fss/abj/APA