The director of the Central Office of Judicial Investigations of Morocco, Cherkaui Habboub, revealed on Monday the mastermind behind the thwarted terrorist plot that was set to unfold in various cities across the country last Wednesday, which resulted in the seizure of a significant arsenal of war weapons. The individual in question is Abderrahman Saharaoui, a Libyan citizen and senior leader of the Daesh terrorist group in Sahel.
This prominent leader of the Islamic State in Sahel sent a video message to the members of the cell, which he had dubbed the “Leones of the caliphate in the distant Magreb.” In this message, he not only endorsed the cell but also directly incited its members to carry out terrorist actions, orchestrating the plot from behind the scenes. As the head of the “External Operations” committee within the Sahel organization, Abderrahman Saharaoui is responsible for internationalizing terrorist attacks beyond the Sahelo-Saharan region. According to the BCIJ, he oversaw the financing and logistical support for these operations, providing detailed digital content on the methods used to execute the attacks.
During a press conference on Monday, Cherkaui Habboub shared that twelve individuals were arrested in connection with this operation, with ages ranging from 18 to 40. Notably, these individuals have limited educational backgrounds in common, with eight having only a high school level of education, three with primary studies, and only one having completed a first year of university studies. The arrests were made in nine cities following a year of surveillance and monitoring. Specifically, three suspects were apprehended in Casablanca, two in Tamesna, one in Guercif, one in Taunate, one in Tangier, one in Fez, one in Azemmour, one in Aaiún, and one in Oulad Tayma.
Abderrahman Saharaoui’s Role and Influence
As a key figure in the Islamic State’s operations in Sahel, Abderrahman Saharaoui’s involvement in the thwarted plot against Morocco underscores the group’s ongoing efforts to expand its reach and influence in the region. His role in orchestrating the plot and providing logistical support highlights the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating terrorism.
Implications and Future Directions
The arrests and the foiled plot serve as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to counter the threats posed by terrorist organizations. As the investigation unfolds, it is likely that more information will come to light regarding the extent of Abderrahman Saharaoui’s involvement and the reach of the Islamic State’s operations in the region.