Morocco dismantles IS cell as terror footprint expands in Africa

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In a major breakthrough, Morocco has managed to dismantle a cell of Islamic State group-affiliated militants at a time when security threats have expanded with the resurgence of Taliban in Afghanistan. The authorities arrested three suspects “accused of plotting an assassination, security services,” a report by <a href="https://www.africanews.com/2021/09/14/morocco-dismantles-is-linked-cell-arrests-three/">AfricaNews</a> said.</p>
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The news organisation quoting MAP state news agency said that the head of the cell has also been "active in recruiting from the among followers of traditional religious trends.</p>
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Terrorism in Morocco is under the global scanner as the country, close to Spain, can be the conduit for exporting Jihadi terror into Europe.</p>
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<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/in-a-breakthrough-french-troops-kill-is-leader-in-africa-115123.html">In a breakthrough, French troops kill IS leader in Africa</a></strong></p>
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The report also noted that since 2002, Moroccan security services have been successful in dismantling over 2,000 extremist cells. They have also made about 3,500 arrests linked to terrorism.</p>
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“The country has largely been spared jihadist attacks since 2003, when five suicide attacks killed 33 people and wounded scores more in the economic capital, Casablanca,” AfricaNews added.</p>
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But in 2018, two Scandinavian tourists were murdered by IS-linked militants during a hiking trip in the High Atlas mountains.</p>
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Meanwhile, India and Morocco have been increasing bilateral cooperation. Recently, New Delhi also conducted bilateral naval exercises with Morocco and Algerian navies.</p>
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<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/opinion-news/why-is-africa-worried-about-the-taliban-s-triumph-in-afghanistan-112772.html">Why is Africa worried about the Taliban’s Triumph in Afghanistan?</a></strong></p>
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It is worth noting that last week, France’s President Emmanuel Macron said that French forces have killed the Islamic State leader in Africa ‘s Greater Sahara region. Marcron tweeted, describing it as another major success in the fight against terrorist groups in the Sahel region.</p>
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Experts said that the political contours in Afghanistan could bolster terror groups in Africa, which has been witnessing an overall increase in terror related activities.</p>