A coordinated operation by DGST special forces, BCIJ officers, the Air Brigade and the Royal Gendarmerie Justice Center led to the arrest of four extremist suspects, including three brothers, all linked to the terrorist group Daesh. According to a BCIJ statement, the suspects, aged 26, 29, 31 and 35, were operating in the Had Soualem area of Berrechid province.
The operation targeted two locations: houses in Al Omrane and Al Amal neighborhoods in Al Wahda and Had Soualem. The operation involved explosive detection specialists, trained sniffer dogs and a Royal Gendarmerie helicopter providing air support and carrying DGST snipers to secure the area.
During the searches, authorities seized a number of items, including knives, bottles of chemicals, large quantities of chemical fertilizers, sulfur, charcoal powder and other suspicious substances. They also seized electrical cables, welding tools and adhesive tape, all of which could be used to make explosives. These items were handed over to forensic experts for detailed analysis.
The investigation began after the DGST uncovered a video in which the suspects pledged allegiance to Daesh and committed terrorist acts. Further information revealed that the group had visited four hardware stores in the Had Soualem area on the same day to purchase chemicals commonly used to make explosives. They had stored these materials in a suspect’s home and began experimenting with assembling explosive devices.
It was also discovered that two of the brothers conducted reconnaissance missions, visiting various locations and documenting potential targets with photos and videos to support their plans. There are indications that the suspects planned to carry out bombings and then join Daesh camps in the Sahel.
The four people are now in custody and the investigation is being led by the public prosecutor’s office, which specializes in terrorism cases. The authorities’ goal is to uncover any links this cell may have to regional or international terrorist organizations and to identify and arrest all remaining members of the group.
