Morocco-Algeria Border: Terrorist Cell’s Mountain Base Exposed

Morocco-Algeria Border: Terrorist Cell’s Mountain Base Exposed \ Newslooks \ Washington \ Staff.

Summary:

Moroccan authorities dismantled a terrorist cell linked to Daech, revealing a secret logistical base near the Morocco-Algeria border. Field operations uncovered weapons and ammunition intended for terrorist plots. The investigation continues to trace the cell’s connections to Daech’s Sahel branch.

Morocco Terrorist Cell’s Logistical Base: Quick Looks

• Location Identified: Mountainous area in Errachidia, eastern Morocco.
• Key Operation: Conducted by BCIJ under the DGST, targeting Daech-linked cell.
• Discovered Cache: Kalashnikov, rifles, pistols, and ammunition.
• Specialized Tools Used: Explosives detection dogs, metal detectors, and robots.
• Daech Connection: Weapons supplied by a Daech leader in the Sahel.
• Ongoing Investigation: Efforts to map out the cell’s broader network.

Deep Look:

Moroccan security forces, led by the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) under the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), have successfully dismantled a dangerous terrorist cell with alleged ties to the Daech organization in the Sahel region. The investigation unveiled a mountainous area suspected of serving as a logistical base for storing weapons and ammunition intended for terrorist operations
According to a press release from the DGSN-DGST Hub, detailed fieldwork and advanced technical analysis, including satellite geolocation, pinpointed this base in Errachidia province. The site, specifically located on the east bank of Oued Guir at “Tal Mzil” in the Boudenib region, presented challenging access due to its rugged terrain and unpaved roads.
To manage these obstacles, Moroccan authorities deployed advanced equipment, including explosives detection dogs, metal detectors, a device for analyzing suspicious substances, robots for detecting explosive devices, and an X-ray scanner. These measures were part of a stringent safety protocol designed to address terrorist threats, particularly in areas where weapons and explosives might be hidden.
During a search operation lasting over three hours, authorities discovered a hidden cache of weapons and ammunition. The items were meticulously buried at the base of a rocky hill, wrapped in plastic and Malian newspapers, with some publications dated as recently as January 27, 2025. The weapons inventory included a Kalashnikov rifle with magazines, two rifles, ten pistols of varying calibers, and a significant quantity of ammunition.
These weapons have since been secured and will undergo thorough ballistic and technical examinations at the National Laboratory of Forensic Police. Early investigations indicate that the weapons were smuggled into Morocco by a Daech leader in the Sahel, who is responsible for external relations. This leader utilized illegal trafficking routes to facilitate the movement of arms, ultimately sending geographical coordinates to the “coordinators” within the dismantled terrorist cell.
The cell’s operatives were instructed to retrieve the weapons and prepare for terrorist activities. The swift intervention by Moroccan authorities prevented these plans from reaching fruition. Meanwhile, the BCIJ, under the supervision of the competent prosecutor’s office, continues its investigation to uncover more details about the terrorist cell’s network and its connections with the broader African branch of Daech in the Sahel.
Moroccan authorities remain vigilant against threats emanating from the Sahel region, which has become a hub for extremist groups. This operation not only disrupts potential attacks but also sends a clear message about Morocco’s commitment to regional security and its proactive stance against terrorism.

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