
Morocco Aids Spain in Arrest of Suspected ISIS Member
Rabat – The Spanish Civil Guard announced on Friday evening that they had arrested an individual in Guadalajara, central Spain, suspected of being affiliated with ISIS.
The arrest was made possible through a joint operation with Morocco's General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST).
'Thanks to the close collaboration between the two security agencies, the presence of the individual on Spanish soil was verified, which allowed the reactivation of judicial proceedings previously opened against him in Morocco for terrorism-related offenses,' the Spanish Civil Guard said in a statement.
Following his arrest, the suspect was brought before a judge at the Spanish National Court, the judicial body responsible for handling international arrest warrants.
The Spanish Civil Guard said that combating terrorist threats remains a top priority for both national and international counterterrorism agencies. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect, but investigations are ongoing.
This operation is part of a cooperation between Spain and Morocco in fighting terrorism and extremism. Both countries continue to coordinate efforts to strengthen regional and international security.
This is not the first time Morocco has assisted Spain in thwarting potential terrorist threats. Moroccan intelligence played a key role in foiling similar plots on Spanish territory.
Morocco helped Spain dismantle an ISIS-linked terror cell in November 2024. The joint operation led to the arrest of nine suspects across both countries, described as a serious security threat.
Spain thanked Morocco's intelligence for their help and described the operation as a model of international cooperation. Weapons, electronic devices, and evidence of extremist ideology were seized during the operation. The detainees, some with prior terror convictions, were considered highly radicalized.
Morocco has continued to reiterate its firm commitment to global counterterrorism efforts and enhancing bilateral security partnerships. Tags: ISISMorocco and Spain
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Morocco World
4 hours ago
- Morocco World
France Thanks Morocco Over Arrest of Man Behind Crypto-Related Kidnappings
Rabat – France thanked Morocco today, stressing the country's importance as a strategic ally in security following the arrest of a suspect behind a series of recent crypto-related kidnappings in France. French Minister of Justice Gerald Darmanin conveyed his country's gratitude in a statement on X, where he 'sincerely thanks Morocco for this arrest.' He said this 'demonstrates the excellent judicial cooperation between our two countries, particularly in the fight against organized crime.' Earlier today, a joint operation by national judicial police in coordination with the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST) enabled security services to arrest a French-Moroccan national. A statement from the police indicated that the suspect is thought to be involved in crimes related to kidnapping with extortion, ransom demands targeting cryptocurrency users, as well as money laundering operations as part of an international crime network operating in France. The arrest took place in Tangier, falling within Moroccan security services' efforts to tackle insecurity. Police arrested the suspect after receiving a formal complaint from French security services detailing the alleged criminal acts the suspect committed in the European country. DGSN stressed in a statement today that the security operation is part of ongoing and intensive efforts by the national police to combat transnational organized crime and to deny criminals a safe haven or a legitimate operating base in Morocco. Many countries, including France, have highlighted Morocco's assistance on the security front. In April, French Interior Minister Bruno Retalleau described Morocco as a 'precious partner' in security matters. 'We are witnessing a renewed energy in our bilateral relationship, one that extends across multiple fields, including security,' Retailleau said during his visit to Morocco in April. He also pointed to joint cooperation between Moroccan and French authorities, including the arrest of several major drug traffickers wanted by French authorities.


Ya Biladi
8 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
French-Moroccan arrested in Tangier for international crypto kidnapping and money laundering
A joint security operation led by Morocco's National Brigade of Judicial Police (BNPJ), in coordination with the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), resulted in the arrest of a French-Moroccan national on Wednesday. He is suspected of involvement in kidnappings, extortion, and ransom demands targeting cryptocurrency users, as well as money laundering linked to an international organized crime network active in France. The 25-year-old suspect was arrested in Tangier as part of international security cooperation, following a formal request from French authorities outlining alleged crimes committed on French soil, according to a statement from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN). Searches connected to the case led to the seizure of several bladed weapons, including swords and knives, along with dozens of mobile phones and communication devices, which are currently being analyzed for digital evidence. A sum of money suspected to be tied to the suspect's criminal activities was also found. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is the subject of an international arrest warrant issued by French judicial authorities. He is accused of participating in violent kidnappings, extortion targeting cryptocurrency users, and laundering proceeds from these crimes. He has been placed in custody as part of the ongoing judicial investigation led by the BNPJ under the supervision of the public prosecutor. Given his Moroccan nationality, the legal process will follow national laws while addressing the French complaint.


Morocco World
8 hours ago
- Morocco World
Ouahbi: We Are Negotiating Return of 120 Moroccan Women Detained in Saudi Arabia
Doha – Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi revealed on Tuesday that Morocco is in negotiations with Saudi Arabia for the return of 120 Moroccan women currently detained in the Gulf kingdom. These discussions are taking place as part of broader talks on international judicial cooperation. Speaking before the Commission on Justice, Legislation, Human Rights and Freedoms at the House of Representatives, Ouahbi explained that the Saudi authorities have promised to release the women after the Hajj pilgrimage season ends. 'We have approximately 120 women detained in Saudi Arabia. We are negotiating to bring them back to Morocco,' Ouahbi said during the session dedicated to approving Bill No. 02.23 on civil procedure. The women face various charges, including prostitution, fraud, and smuggling of alcohol and drugs, according to the minister. He noted the humanitarian aspect of these cases, pointing out that 'some of these detained women have children, two of them are suffering from advanced cancer, and others are over 55 years old.' Ouahbi acknowledged that the issue of international rogatory commissions causes him 'psychological problems.' He stated, 'We are currently discussing this matter with Gulf countries to find the optimal solution.' 'The vision is now almost clear, and we are only waiting to reach consensus during the meeting that should bring us together with Arab Justice Ministers this month,' he added. The minister was addressing Article 618 of the civil procedure bill, which stipulates that international rogatory commissions from abroad are executed in the same manner as those issued within the national territory, in accordance with Moroccan legislation and respecting the principle of reciprocity. The article also specifies that rogatory commissions to be executed outside the North African country are transmitted through diplomatic channels, or in accordance with international conventions ratified by Morocco and published in the Official Bulletin. Morocco moves to unify jurisprudence During the same session, Ouahbi discussed Article 407 of the bill, which aims to unify divergent interpretations of the same legal provision. The article allows the First President of the Court of Cassation to submit cases with contradictory final judicial decisions to all chambers of the Court for a binding interpretation decision. Ouahbi criticized the lack of harmonization in jurisprudence, giving an example of inconsistent decisions on cases involving bounced checks. 'Some courts order detention for a check of MAD 2,000 ($200), while others refuse to do so for an amount of MAD 5,000 ($500),' he explained. The minister advocated for these divergences to be submitted to the Court of Cassation so that a uniform jurisprudence becomes binding on all courts in the country. The Commission approved Bill No. 02.23 on civil procedure by 13 votes in favor and 6 against, with no abstentions. Read also: Morocco, Saudi Arabia Advance Judicial Cooperation With New Bilateral Agreements