Ghada Wali, UN Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, has warned that terrorist armed groups are using drug trafficking as a source of funding and have entered into conciliatory ties with organized crime groups.

Waly gave a speech at the signing of the Regional Framework Program for Arab States (2023-2028) between the Arab League and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Launch of the Arab Plan for Prevention and Crime. Stated. Reducing the Danger of Drugs to Arab Communities” emphasized that because drug trafficking networks transcend national borders, the danger can be countered not only within borders but also through regional cooperation.

The spokesperson said that the launch of this plan is part of regional cooperation to address the challenges that are getting worse. It’s based on evidence-based practices, which means it includes government, the private sector and civil society.

Waly said that the regional framework for the Arab countries (2023-2028) in the field of prevention and reduction of drug risks is based on the positive results achieved during the past years, as the last program from 2016 to 2022 provided about $130 million to the countries of the region, and helped to participate 10,000 officials and officials in international and regional forums.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is doing a lot of different things these days, some of which are fighting corruption and human trafficking, and others which are related to drug rehabilitation. One of the things UNODC wants to do is to make sure that people who have recovered from drug addiction get the social rehabilitation they need in order to be successful.

The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime is ready to help Arab countries fight drugs using forensic medicine and other tools. They say that the drug trade has been very resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic, proving that traffickers are able to adapt to changing situations.

Waly reported that the ILO estimates that youth unemployment rates in Arab countries are 42% in 2022, which is higher than global averages, noting that 60% of the region’s population are young people who must be spared risks, such as drugs, terrorism and extremism.

Read Also:Morocco condemns the burning of the Qur’an in Copenhagen, Denmark

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Today, Thursday, the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) dismantled a terrorist cell made up of three people, detaining supporters of the terrorist group ISIS.

The suspects were detained on the basis of precise information provided by the Directorate General of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) services for their alleged involvement in the creation of terrorist plans to gravely disrupt public order.

According to a statement from the BCIJ, members of the DGST Special Forces performed an interrogation and intervention in three different locations—Souk El Arbaa Gharb, Tetouan, and Larache—targeting the three suspects, who were between the ages of 19 and 28.

Searches performed in the houses of those arrested resulted in the seizure of knives, a number of manuscripts espousing Daech’s extreme ideology and inciting violence, as well as written publications tracing the terrorist operations of Daech-affiliated groups in the Sahel region, as well as materials and digital media that will be subjected to the appropriate technological expertise.

The investigation’s first findings indicate that the accused, who have vowed their “allegiance” to the terrorist group ISIS, were preparing to carry out a number of risky terrorist undertakings.

They created a variety of digital materials relevant to their terrorist plans to achieve this.

The research and investigations further showed that, after carrying out their terrorist plans in conjunction with and with the assistance of one of the components connected to this terrorist organization, the arrested suspects wanted to leave Morocco and join the Daech camps in the Sahel region.

For the objectives of the investigation being carried out by the BCIJ under the supervision of the prosecutor’s office in charge of terrorism cases, the members of this terrorist cell were taken into custody.

The statement ends that the arrest of these suspects occurs amid an increase in the terrorist threat and a readiness on the part of international terrorist groups and their regional affiliates to expand their nefarious activities.

Read Also: US condemns Algeria for labeling two anti-regime groups as terrorist organizations

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The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Ministerial Meeting, which took place in Marrakech on Wednesday, expressed alarm about the spread of separatist groups in Africa, while reaffirming their common desire to continue the battle against Daesh.

According to a joint communiqué issued at the end of the meeting attended by representatives from 79 countries, the proliferation of non-state actors, including separatist movements, is causing destabilization and increasing the vulnerability of African states, favoring Daesh/ISIS and other terrorist and violent extremist organizations.

The Africa Focus Group will bolster the civilian-led counterterrorism capabilities of African members of the Defeat Daesh/ISIS Coalition under the auspices of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS, they said, emphasizing the need for the Africa Focus Group to foster synergies with other existing international, sub-regional, and regional counterterrorism efforts and initiatives on the African continent.

The Ministers also emphasized that the coalition to defeat Daesh/ISIS will continue to be a civilian-led operation led by, with, and through our African countries, in accordance with national ownership principles and African member states’ specific needs.

They also mentioned the link between separatist and terrorist movements working together to exploit existing vulnerabilities and increase their destabilizing influence.

In this regard, the participants emphasized the importance of addressing the evolving threat of Daesh, particularly in Africa, by strengthening African members’ counter-terrorism capabilities and considering the challenges and threats posed by the proliferation of non-state actors, including separatist groups, as a destabilizing factor and vulnerability in the region.

They also emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity in Africa, while emphasizing that any long-term solution to halting the spread of Daesh/ISIS on the continent will rely primarily on national authorities, as well as sub-regional and regional efforts and initiatives that recognize and address the political and economic drivers of conflict.

The Ministers stressed the need of addressing the global Daesh/ISIS threat by coordinating actions in a holistic and comprehensive manner, which is a hallmark of the Defeat Daesh/ISIS Coalition. The Defeat Daesh/ISIS Coalition Working Groups have proposed activities like as communications, counter-ISIS finance, foreign terrorist fighters, and stabilization, according to the release.

They also hailed the inaugural gathering of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS in Africa.

The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Ministerial Meeting was hosted by Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Resident Abroad, and Mr. Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State.

The meeting marks a turning moment in worldwide commitment and coordination in the battle against “Daesh,” with a special focus on Africa and the increasing terrorist threat in the Middle East and other regions.

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Rabat- according to accurate intelligence information given by Moroccan security services presented by Directorate General for Studies, Documents and the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance, the specialized security services of the State of the Greece were able, yesterday, Tuesday, to arrest a 28-year-old Moroccan citizen, who was in position of command in the operational battalions ISIS terrorist organization in its conventional strongholds in the Syrian arena.

A security source knew that the arrest of the suspect gives as a culmination of coordination and exchange of intelligence processes carried out within the framework of multilateral security collaboration, to which Moroccan security interests and its counterparts in Greece, Italy, England and United States of America actively contributed.

The source added that the process of dotting the suspect in the database of International Criminal Police Organization, Interpol, indicates that he was the of an international arrest warrant issued by the Moroccan judicial authorities, on suspicion of his involvement in preparing and implementation of terrorist projects and the perpetration of sabotage operations in Morocco at the instigation of previous spokesman. On behalf of the terrorist organization ISIS.

The same source highlighted that the suspect, who bears the nickname, “Abu Muhammad Al-Fateh”, had joined the ranks of terrorist organization ISIS in Syrian in 2014, before occupying prominent leadership positions in the so-called “special group” in the in the Deir Ez-Zur region, and in so-called “religious police”. Or “Hisbah” in the Wilayat of Raqqa. He had also appeared in a video documenting targeting of a Syrian fighter by a military weapon, while he was in flagrante delicto, threatening to fight the enemies of religion.

According to the available intelligence information about this leader in ISIS, the source added, he was able to escape ISIS fighting places to Syrian towards Europe, especially Greece, using false personal documents and impersonation of an incorrect identity, before he was identified, in his location and his detention in the framework of joint security operation.

He pointed that Moroccan judicial authorities have been notified of the arrest of the suspect, and coordination is currently underway with the competent authorities in Greece through the Interpol office of the General Directorate of National Security, in order to send the official file of the extradition request.

In addition to the same source, this successful security operation to which Moroccan security interests have effectively contributed, it indicates the importance of international security cooperation in combating and neutralizing the dangers of the terrorist threat, and the pursuit of members of terrorist organizations to deprive them of every safe haven or rear base.

This combined process embodies the serious and effective involvement of the Kingdom of Morocco in maintaining security and stability regionally and internationally.

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Soleiman El Amrani, Rapporteur of the Parliamentary Reconnaissance Committee on the Moroccans of Iraq and Syria, revealed today, at a press seminar held at the House of Representatives, that of the 345 Moroccan combatants who returned to Morocco from the hotbeds of fighting in Syria and Iraq, 245 come from three sides in the Kingdom, namely Tangier-Tetouan-Hoceima, Fez-Meknes, and Casablanca – Settat. He said: “This shows that a large number of people have joined the hotbeds from the cities of the north, the centre.

Concerning the remaining files, Al Amrani stated that the security officer was steadfast in resolving their return, in addition to the social, health, and psychological dimensions.

According to Al Amrani, the Committee’s reconnaissance mission was “difficult,” as the Committee dealt with a file of interest to other States in which the security aspect was brought in: “We did not know where we were going to end up, but we have the right to say that we have started the first step in the way of resolving the file,” referring, in particular, to the Committee’s recommendation to create a national institution, in which all those involved, with the participation of the security institution, would be involved to study the file on a case-by-case basis. In addition to a recommendation that concerns the legal and legislative aspects.

Based on the current report of the Commission of Inquiry, between 2012 and2017, 1659 Moroccans left the country to avoid jihad or for financial reasons, with 1,300 joining ISIS.

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The response to threats posed by ISIS should focus primarily on supporting African countries and sub-regional organizations in terms of strengthening capabilities, with the aim of ensuring more sustainable results in combating this terrorist organization.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, confirmed yesterday, Tuesday, during a virtual ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, that “the response to threats posed by ISIS should focus primarily on supporting African countries and sub-regional organizations in terms of strengthening capabilities, with the aim of ensuring more sustainable results in combating this terrorist organization.”

In this regard, the Minister affirmed Morocco’s commitment to enhancing capabilities in Africa, as evidenced by the establishment of a UNOCT (United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism) Program Office in Rabat as a training hub to build counter-terrorism capacities and cooperation in Africa.

On the other hand, Bourita called for better coordination of international initiatives and efforts to deal with the situation “which is developing on the field”, highlighting the “great potential” for joining the coalition efforts with those made by the Sahel Alliance, in support of the G5 Sahel.

The minister also highlighted the importance of implementing the outcomes of the first meeting of the coalition on ISIS threats in West Africa, which was held last November, through “tangible support” for the countries of the region in two main areas; namely the collection and protection of evidence obtained on the battlefield, as well as the need for comprehensive border security.

The minister warned that although ISIS has lost control of its strongholds in the Middle East, it still aspires to always renew itself by mobilizing more support, funds and fighters, especially in other regions around the world.

In this context, he noted that Africa has become a target for ISIS, explaining that since the coalition’s last meeting, the situation has become alarming, as the terrorist threat has now reached the southern part of the African continent.

The minister stated that 2020 was the deadliest year for the Sahel region, with a total of 4,250 dead, an increase of 60%, compared to 2019.

He also indicated that light weapons were used in 70% of the attacks, while conventional improvised explosive devices accounted for 30%.

Bourita warned that ISIS is strengthening its presence in Africa through stronger cooperation with other terrorist groups and criminal networks, noting that an increasing number of groups pledge allegiance to ISIS.

In the same context, the minister noted that the attacks are taking place in a more sophisticated manner, with the transfer of skills and expertise from ISIS to local terrorist groups, as well as the use of new technologies, including drones.

Bourita also expressed Morocco’s gratitude to Belgium and the United States for this timely meeting, adding that the epidemiological situation, which captures the whole world’s attention, “should not distract us from the serious threat that ISIS still poses to international peace and security.”

It should be noted that the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, which was established in September 2014 at the initiative of the United States, the Gulf States, Turkey and Egypt, now includes 83 partners.

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Today, March 25th, the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ) of the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DST) managed to dismantle a terrorist cell consisting of four militants, aged between 24 and 28, operating in the city of Oujda and linked to the so-called “Islamic State” organization.

The BCIJ stated, in a communiqué, that the operation comes within the framework of continuing efforts to neutralize the dangers of terrorist threats and dismantle extremist organizations that aim to disturb the public order and threaten the security and stability of the Kingdom.

The communiqué also highlighted that this terrorist cell has been dismantled and its imminent extremist plans aborted thanks to close coordination between members of the DST and the American intelligence services “which confirms once again the importance of international cooperation to combat terrorist threats, and demonstrates the efficacy of the distinguished partnerships that play a major role in ensuring the success of operations against terrorism and violent extremism”.

The BCIJ explained that the members of this terrorist cell were arrested in simultaneous security operations in four different residential neighborhoods in the city of Oujda, during which the members of the special forces affiliated with the DST had to fire sound bombs to neutralize the danger emanating from the main suspect. The second suspect was also arrested on the roofs of neighboring houses while trying to flee, in conditions that endanger him and others.

The searches carried out at the home of the main suspect enabled the special forces to seize an important sum of money in European currency, and four passports belonging to the members of the cell that the suspect was keeping in a safe place at home, as well as weapons, and other controlling information devices that will be subjected to professional inspection.

The same source added that the research and preliminary investigations carried out showed that the members of this terrorist cell declared their “loyalty” to the alleged emir of “ISIS”, and planned to join the camps of this terrorist organization in the Sahel region to carry out combat operations, before they were mobilized and assigned by one of the leaders of “ISIS” with the mission to implement terrorist plans inside the Kingdom, targeting vital national installations, security headquarters and military barracks.

The preliminary search procedures indicate that the arrested suspects carried out several reconnaissance operations to monitor and identify the sensitive targets and facilities to be targeted, as they were seeking to gain experience in the manufacture of explosives and improvised explosive devices, as well as their coordination with the aforementioned leader in ISIS to provide the necessary logistical resources and support to finance their sabotage projects.

The BCIJ stated that this new pre-emptive operation confirms the continued growth of terrorist threats that lie in wait for the security of the Kingdom and the safety of citizens, and the insistence of those who have been imbued with extremist ideology loyal to “ISIS” to implement terrorist projects aimed at disturbing public order.

On a final note, the communiqué indicated that the arrested persons were placed under pre-trial custody following the judicial research conducted by the BCIJ under the supervision of the Public Prosecution in charge of terrorism, in order to uncover all the contributors and participants involved in this terrorist cell, as well as monitoring its regional extensions and possible links to terrorist projects on the global level.

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Thanks to bilateral cooperation between Morocco and USA in areas of counterterrorism and fighting organized crime, Moroccan intelligence agency DGST has succeeded in providing critical information that led to the arrest of a US soldier accused of plotting terrorist attacks targeting the 9/11 memorial in Manhattan as well as leaking sensitive information about US military to unknown ISIS members.

US Army private Cole Bridges went under different nicknames exchanging private information online with who he thought was an ISIS contact who turned out to be an undercover agent of FBI.

Moroccan Intelligence affirmed that the case dates back to September 2020 when they informed the US government about the intricacies of Bridges online activities.

On his part, Secretary Pompeo express his “pleasure meeting Director General Abdellatif Hammouchi today to reaffirm the importance of our counterterrorism and law enforcement cooperation” he further added that “we value our partnership with Morocco in the fight against terrorism and working together to advance peace and security.”

The court located evidence of documents and manuals Bridges leaked to what he thought was an ISIS contact. The documents and manuals provide step-by-step instructions on how to kill American forces through giving inside information about US Forces plots and strategies.

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Central Office of Judicial Research (BCIJ) part of the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance succeeded in dismantling a terrorist group linked to (ISIS) early this morning of Friday 4th, in Tetouan.

Part of Morocco’s effort in fighting terrorism targeting the peace and stability of the kingdom, Central Office of Judicial Research (BCIJ) has succeeded in dismantling a terrorist group linked to (ISIS).

The operation took place in two separate areas in Tetouan North of Morocco. The first in Boujrar neighborhood and the second in Karyan neighborhood.

The operation led to the arrest of three suspect terrorist members aged between 21 and 38.

The suspects displayed their full support and attachment to (ISIS) in a confiscated recorded video displaying their true motives.

The terrorists have overtly expressed their plans to act out terrorist attacks in the recorded video targeting the peace and stability of Morocco.

It’s worth noting that Morocco has succeeded in aborting numerous terrorist attempts within the last years.

According to the 2020 Global Terrorism Index, Morocco ranked 102 with a difference of +11 from the previous year. A jump in establishing peace and security throughout the alertness and flexibility of Morocco’s Security Forces.

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This Monday, The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) was able to dismantle a terrorist cell as part of its continuous efforts to confront terrorist threats that endanger the security and safety of the Kingdom of Morocco.

The terrorist cell is composed of three individuals that are associated with ISIS, whose ages range from 26 to 28 years old, and are active in the cities of Inezgane and Ait Maloul.

The Bureau stated that according to the researches and preliminary investigations carried out, the leader of this cell, together with his associates, announced their pledge of allegiance to the alleged caliph of ISIS, right before planning to carry out the terrorist operations aimed at destabilizing the security and stability of the Kingdom.

The same source added that their research and tracking procedures indicated that the members of this terrorist cell were searching for firearms, materials, and products used in the manufacture of IEDs, while encouraging other terrorist operations of “ISIS” in a number of foreign countries.

According to the report, this operation resulted in the seizure of large and medium-sized white arms, in addition to electronic devices and manuscripts of extremist nature.

The statement added that the operation comes against a backdrop of increased terrorist threats to the security of the Kingdom and the persistence of individuals who have been deluded and influenced by an extremist ideology to serve the subversive agenda of various terrorist organizations.

According to the same report, the suspects were kept under the measure of pre-trial detention, in order to deepen the search with them, under the supervision of the public prosecutor, pending their presentation to justice as soon as the search procedures were completed.

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