IS-linked terror cell dismantled in Morocco

A terrorist cell linked to the Islamic State (IS) militant group and plotting a major attack in Morocco has been dismantled by the authorities, Morocco's MAP news agency reported citing the interior ministry.

The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ), a probe arm of Morocco's domestic intelligence agency (DGST), on Tuesday broke up the four-member cell, operating in the southern city of Laayoune, the Moroccan Interior Ministry said.

The members of the terrorist cell were inspired by the gruesome methods adopted by the IS and were intent upon replicating them. The cell had issued a "fatwa" (pronouncement) advocating the abduction and the burning alive of a person on the charge of apostasy.

The head of the terrorist cell reportedly had close links with the IS, and investigations revealed that he was seeking to use his considerable experience in making explosives to launch terrorist attacks on key targets in Morocco, according to the interior ministry.

The ministry added that the dismantling of the terrorist cell was part of the proactive efforts towards countering the threat of terrorism in the country.

The members of the cell will be brought before the court upon the completion of investigations under the supervision of the general prosecutor.

--IANS/MAP

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