Morocco Arrests Terror Cell Led by Former Fighter in Syria

Moroccan security forces have arrested a four-member terrorist cell in the country’s northeastern city of Taza, local media reported on Wednesday, citing the Interior Ministry.

“According to preliminary information, the leader of the terrorist cell, who invited and recruited other members of the network, was trying to use combat experience he gained in Iraq and Syria to plot and carry out terrorist attacks against vital institutions,” the Ministry said in its statement.

The suspects – whose ages range between between 33 and 38 – were remanded in custody as part of the investigation conducted under the supervision of the competent prosecutor.

The Moroccan authorities didn’t determine to which group – ISIS, al-Nusra Front or others – the former militant belonged.

In a related matter, the administration of Ain Sebaa prison reported that inmates arrested in line with the anti-terror law, enjoy all the rights guaranteed by the law. It said the prisoners are making unfounded claims to pressure the administration into overlooking their illegal behavior.

The administration affirmed in its statement that the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR) has taken a decision on banning inmates in all prisons from bringing in their food baskets to alleviate the burden on their families and to stop the smuggling of contraband.

Regarding the claim on limiting the duration of phone calls that the prisoners are allowed to make, in addition to imposing a tight supervision and high fees, the statement affirmed that the DGAPR does not interfere in the rates set by the relevant company.

As for searching the visitors of certain inmates, a source stressed that the process includes all visitors in a manner that preserves their dignity.