A wave of Arab and Muslim condemnations poured in on Tuesday following Morocco's announcement that it had foiled a series of advanced terrorist plots linked to the Islamic State's Sahel branch, with several countries and regional organisations praising the effectiveness of Moroccan security services in preventing the planned attacks.
The reactions came a day after Morocco's Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) announced the dismantling of a terrorist cell allegedly operating with logistical and operational support from the Islamic State affiliate in the Sahel region, highlighting once again Morocco's role as a key player in counterterrorism efforts in North and West Africa.
In an official statement, the League of Arab States expressed its full solidarity with the Kingdom of Morocco, its leadership, government and people, reaffirming its support for all measures taken by Rabat to protect national security and safeguard citizens and institutions from terrorist threats.
Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy said that targeting Morocco or undermining its stability constitutes "an unacceptable attack on the security of an Arab state," while commending Moroccan security services for thwarting the plots before they could be carried out.
He also called for stronger Arab cooperation, enhanced security and judicial coordination, and greater intelligence sharing among Arab countries to combat terrorist organisations and dry up their sources of support.
The Muslim World League also condemned the planned attacks, expressing its full solidarity with Morocco in confronting threats to its security, sovereignty and stability.
Its Secretary-General, Mohammed Al-Issa, reiterated the organisation's rejection of all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism, while praising the efforts of Moroccan security agencies in countering terrorist threats.
Several Arab countries also issued statements of support for Morocco. Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the plots and reaffirmed its solidarity with the Kingdom, rejecting all forms of terrorism, extremism and attempts to destabilise states.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry specifically praised the vigilance and professionalism of Moroccan security services, which it said had succeeded in preventing a "highly dangerous" terrorist operation that was in an advanced stage of planning and preparation.
The United Arab Emirates also condemned the foiled plots, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressing his country's full support for Morocco and its efforts to preserve security and stability.
Similarly, Qatar condemned the planned attacks and reaffirmed its solidarity with Morocco, while Oman reiterated its firm rejection of terrorism in all its forms and voiced support for all measures taken by Rabat to protect national security.
For its part, the Arab Parliament denounced the plots, with its president, Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi, praising the vigilance and professionalism of Moroccan security services in uncovering the network and preventing its plans from materialising.
On Monday, the BCIJ announced that, acting on precise intelligence provided by Morocco's General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), it had foiled highly dangerous terrorist plots and arrested 10 suspects in coordinated operations across the cities of Agadir, Taroudant, Casablanca, El Hajeb, Tetouan, Fquih Ben Salah and Safi.
Investigators said the cell included a former terrorism convict and a minor and had maintained direct operational links with the Islamic State's Sahel branch. Raids led to the seizure of bladed weapons, military-style clothing, bomb-making instructions and chemicals, as well as a four-wheel-drive vehicle that had allegedly been modified to carry out either a suicide bombing or a vehicle-ramming attack against sensitive targets inside Morocco.
