Rabat - The Moroccan police arrested an Algerian national suspected of belonging to the terrorist group of Jund Al Khilafa which claimed responsibility for the beheading of French hostage Hervé Gourdel, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday.
The Algerian national was arrested in eastern Morocco between Beni Drar and Ahfir in possession of large quantities of dangerous substances, wireless communication tools and firearms, the Ministry said in a statement.
Investigations have shown that the suspect was accompanied by another individual whose identity is the subject of investigation.
The suspect will be brought before justice for further investigation under the supervision of the General Prosecutor.
The same source noted that Jund Al Khilafa, which pledged allegiance to the terrorist group ISIS, made of Algeria its rear base.
The statement also recalls that, as part of a proactive approach to counter the terrorist threat, security services busted on November 22, 2014, a terrorist cell in the eastern city of Berkane with allegiance to ISIS which broadcasted a video on the emergence of Jund Al Khilafa in Morocco. The members of the cell were plotting terrorist attacks in Morocco including the assassination of foreigners in the eastern region in coordination with Jund Al Khilafa in Algeria.
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