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The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement Tuesday expressing the Kingdom’s strongest condemnation of terrorist plots targeting public order and the security of individuals and property in Morocco. In the announcement, the ministry reaffirmed full solidarity with the Moroccan government and people. It reiterated Saudi Arabia’s categorical rejection of all forms of terrorism and extremism along with any attempts to destabilize the country and praised the efficiency of Moroccan security services in swiftly foiling the plots.
Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations announced the previous day that it had dismantled a cell loyal to the Islamic State affiliate in the Sahel, according to a Reuters report. The agency said 10 suspects were arrested in coordinated operations across the cities of Agadir, Casablanca, Tetouan, Safi and several others. Preliminary findings showed the individuals had pledged allegiance to the terrorist group and received direct instructions to carry out attacks on sensitive sites and public security targets.
The Moroccan agency detailed that raids yielded bladed weapons, military-style clothing, bomb-making instructions, chemicals and a vehicle modified for potential use in an attack. Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations officials stated the cell operated with logistical coordination from the Sahel branch of the group. The arrests prevented what investigators described as advanced plans to strike multiple locations across the kingdom.
The Saudi statement aligned with separate announcements from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar that similarly condemned the plots and expressed support for Morocco, regional news outlets reported. Those declarations also highlighted praise for Moroccan security agencies in neutralizing the threat. The coordinated diplomatic responses reflect shared regional concerns over terrorism emanating from Sahel-based networks.
Saudi Arabia and Morocco have engaged in sustained security cooperation over many years to address extremist threats, according to longstanding bilateral exchanges. The latest expression of solidarity from the Saudi ministry underscores the depth of relations between the two countries. International assessments have identified the Sahel region as a primary source of instability affecting neighboring North African states.
In its statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended wishes for Morocco’s continued security, stability and prosperity. The ministry’s position comes after Moroccan authorities publicly detailed the scope of the foiled operation and its links to external terrorist elements. Moroccan officials continue to pursue further leads from the dismantled cell as part of ongoing counterterrorism measures.
