Morocco arrests eight jihadists over attack plots

RABAT:  Morocco said eight people were
arrested on Tuesday over alleged plots to
carry out attacks mainly targeting security
officials on behalf of the Islamic state jihadists
group,

The newly formed Central Bureau of Judicial
Investigation,dubbed Morocco' s FBI by media
said an eight -member terrorist cell was
dismantled across the country in the towns
of Tangiers, Bouznika,Khouribga and Taounate,.

The suspects has been in contact with IS
leaders and given refuge to fighters who
had received intensive training in producing
explosives and gang warfare "the interior
ministry said.

It said members of the network,which included
women ,were planing "a series of terrorist
operations' against security officials and
sensitive sites,

They also had links  with former A-Qeada
fighters in Afghanistan ,it said '
Morocco ,which is on guard against deadly
attacks of the type carried out by IS in  Tunisia
prides itself on being a bastion in North
Africa against Islamist extremism with its
anti jihadist unit and training of imams
to  preach tolerance,.

An estimated 1,5000 Moroccans ,however
,figure among the ranks of jihadist group.,
AFP