Morocco Dismantles ISIS-Affiliated Terror Cell, Uncovers Weapons Cache in Southeastern Mountains (video)

Rabat, Morocco – February 21, 2025 – Moroccan authorities announced on Friday the successful dismantling of a terrorist cell linked to the African branch of the Islamic State (ISIS), following a major security operation across several Moroccan cities. The General Directorate for National Security (DGSN) revealed that the operation led to the seizure of firearms and ammunition supplied by ISIS, marking a significant blow to the group’s activities in the region.

Operation Details

The operation, conducted on Wednesday, February 20, 2025, targeted a network operating in cities including Rabat, Marrakech, and Agadir. Moroccan security forces arrested 13 suspects, including key leaders of the cell, after months of intelligence surveillance. Authorities confiscated a cache of weapons, including automatic rifles, hand grenades, and explosives, which were traced back to ISIS’s central command in the Middle East, indicating a transcontinental support network.

◀️ العثور على أسلحة نارية وذخيرة، وفرتها "داعش" للخلية المرتبطة بالفرع الإفريقي للتنظيم الإرهابي، والتي تم تفكيكها يوم أمس بعدة مدن.
موقع القاعدة الخلفية للدعم اللوجيستيكي الموجه لهذه الخلية الخطيرة تم تحديده بمنطقة جبلية بالجنوب الشرقي.
التفاصيل.#تفكيك_خلية_إرهابية #المغرب pic.twitter.com/1dMs5mrqCP — 2M.ma (@2MInteractive) February 20, 2025

Terror Cell’s Logistics Base in Southeastern Morocco

Investigations pinpointed the cell’s logistics hub in a remote mountainous area in southeastern Morocco, specifically in the Eastern Atlas Mountains, approximately 400 kilometers from Rabat. This secluded base, hidden in the rugged terrain, served as a storage facility for weapons, a training site, and a planning center for potential attacks in urban areas. The discovery underscores the challenges of monitoring terrorist activities in Morocco’s remote regions.

Surprising Revelations

What stands out is the revelation that the weapons and ammunition were directly supplied by ISIS’s core leadership in Syria and Iraq, highlighting an extensive cross-border network connecting Morocco to ISIS operations in Africa and beyond. This finding raises concerns about the evolving threat of ISIS affiliates in North Africa and their ability to sustain logistical support.

Outcomes and Implications

No injuries or casualties were reported during the operation, and all suspects are currently under investigation to uncover any additional ties to other terrorist organizations in the region. Morocco’s Interior Ministry described the operation as a “major victory” in the country’s ongoing fight against terrorism, emphasizing close collaboration with international partners, including France and the United States, for intelligence sharing and operational planning.

Regional Context

This operation aligns with Morocco’s broader efforts to strengthen national security amid rising threats from ISIS affiliates in Africa, such as those in the Sahel and coastal regions. The Eastern Atlas Mountains, known for their isolation, have long posed challenges for security forces, making them a potential haven for clandestine activities. The bust reinforces Morocco’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and maintaining stability in the region.

Timeline of Events

Analysis and Impact

The operation highlights the persistent terrorist threat in Morocco, with ISIS continuing to expand its influence through cross-border networks. The discovery of the logistics base in the Eastern Atlas Mountains underscores the geographic challenges of counterterrorism, as remote areas provide ideal conditions for secretive operations. This success is likely to enhance Morocco’s security cooperation with international allies, further bolstering effort