The crucial role of Morocco in European security: Intelligence cooperation delivers a decisive blow to terrorism in Spain

According to a report published Friday by the Spanish newspaper “El Mundo,” the Spanish Civil Guard carried out a large-scale operation in close coordination with the Moroccan General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST).

In a significant security development highlighting the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism, Spanish security authorities, in close collaboration with their Moroccan counterparts, have successfully dealt a powerful blow to an active terrorist network on their territory.

According to a report published Friday by the Spanish newspaper “El Mundo,” the Spanish Civil Guard carried out a large-scale operation in close coordination with the Moroccan General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST). The operation resulted in the dismantling of a terrorist cell described as highly radicalized and adhering to the ideology of the Islamic State organization.

The newspaper added that the operation involved the arrest of eight individuals in several Spanish cities, including Melilla, Madrid (Alcobendas and San Sebastián de los Reyes), and Malaga. A separate operation was also conducted in Cornellà (Barcelona) on July 1st, leading to the arrest of another suspect specializing in the production and dissemination of jihadist content using artificial intelligence techniques.

“El Mundo” indicated that the investigations began in 2023, targeting a group of young people residing primarily in the city of Melilla. They were using social media platforms and encrypted messaging groups to spread terrorist propaganda and incite violence.

The newspaper emphasized the importance of international cooperation, particularly with Morocco, in confronting terrorist threats and preempting potential attacks. It praised the vital role of Moroccan-Spanish cooperation in enhancing regional security, noting that this cooperation was crucial to the operation’s success.

“El Mundo” reported that the judicial authorities have placed five of the eight detainees in pre-trial detention, while the suspect arrested in Barcelona was also imprisoned. It also noted that these operations come in the context of security preparations for the Paris Olympics, where efforts to combat terrorism have been intensified throughout Europe.

This successful operation confirms the ongoing terrorist threat in Europe and the importance of continued vigilance and international cooperation in counterterrorism, while highlighting the key role played by Morocco in this field. It also underscores the importance of coordination between various security and intelligence agencies to anticipate potential threats and protect citizens’ security.