Rabat - The police dismantled a terrorist cell operating in Meknes, El Hajeb and Al Hoceima for the recruitment of Moroccan fighters to join the Islamic State Organization (IS) in Syria and Iraq, said the ministry of interior on Saturday in a statement.
The cell smashing, which is part of efforts made by the security services to counter the terrorist threat, was conducted on the basis of accurate information by the general directorate for national territory surveillance, it added.
The cell, made up of 8 people, includes former detainees in terror-related cases, it said.
Investigations revealed that the cell mastermind, who has ties with one of the foreign fighters in the ranks of this terrorist organization, has coordinated several operations of recruitment and sending volunteers by helping them financially to facilitate their travel to this hotspot, the statement noted.
According to the available information, the Moroccan fighters undergo intense training in Syria and Iraq regarding the use of weapons, manufacturing explosives and preparing car bombs to commit terrorist operations in Morocco, it noted.
The culprits will be brought to justice after the completion of the investigation under the supervision of the public prosecutor's office, it concluded.