Maghreb Edition

Morocco: Dozen alleged Jihadists arrested in Melilla and NadorF

Posted On 4 October 2022

Number of times this article was read : 782

The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group

The North Africa Journal’s WhatsApp Group


Moroccan and Spanish police have dismantled a jihadist cell suspected of links to the Islamic State group, officials said Tuesday. The operation led to the arrest of 11 people in raids on Tuesday morning: nine in the Spanish enclave of Melilla on Morocco’s northern coast, and another two in the nearby town of Nador, according to a Moroccan police statement. Spanish security sources said 10 people had been arrested in Melilla and another in the southern Spanish city of Grenada.

The Moroccan police said the two suspects held in Nador, aged 34 and 39, were remanded in custody and that mobile phones and a computer had been seized. The detainees were suspected of “promoting extremist ideology” online “in order to recruit people in terrorist organisations”, the same source said.

Morocco and Spain officially revived their security cooperation in April after mending fences following a year-long diplomatic row over the Western Sahara. The Moroccan police regularly announce operations against jihadist cells, and reports having arrested more than 3,500 people in relation to “terrorism” since 2002.

AFP
The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group
.

Most Recent Stories from the Region

UAE Regional Influence Under Strain Amid Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Maghreb Frictions✓

Across Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and the Maghreb, the United Arab Emirates is encountering rising diplomatic friction as regional powers push back against policies seen as destabilizing or misaligned with their security interests. The UAE is facing growing tensions involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria, while sustained scrutiny over Sudan and Yemen is reshaping perceptions of Emirati influence.

Algeria Expands Core Infrastructure Investment Across Core Sectors$

Algeria is scaling up investment in core infrastructure as part of a long-term strategy spanning transport, water security, energy, and mining. Backed by multi-billion-dollar allocations in the 2026 state budget, the program targets roads, railways, ports, airports, and large-scale hydraulic projects, alongside major mining developments linked to new logistics corridors.
Authorities frame the effort as both an economic and social priority, aimed at improving service reliability, supporting industrial growth, and reducing regional disparities, particularly in remote southern areas. Several projects rank among the largest of their kind in Africa and reflect a continued reliance on state-led development to address structural challenges

Algerian Supporters Face Charges in Morocco$

At least three Algerian nationals remain in custody in Morocco after traveling to the country to support their national football team during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The detentions stem from separate incidents that Moroccan authorities say violated public order and criminal law during or around match days.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.