A joint counterterrorism operation between Spain and Morocco has led to the arrest of two individuals suspected of jihadist activity in Catalonia,underscoring the role of Morocco’s security services in pre-emptive action against terrorist cells.
On Thursday,Spanish National Police,with critical support from Morocco’s General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST),detained two men aged 24 and 26 in the town of Vallfogona de Balaguer,in the province of Lleida.
The suspects are being investigated for alleged radicalization,active indoctrination,and collaboration with terrorist organizations,according to a statement from Spanish authorities.
One of the suspects was previously known to security services and exhibited a high level of radicalization. Authorities say he actively disseminated jihadist propaganda and played a key role in recruiting and indoctrinating new followers.
The operation was coordinated by Spain’s Directorate General of Information,with support from provincial intelligence brigades in Lleida,Tarragona,and Barcelona,and under the supervision of the National Court. Police seized multiple electronic devices during searches of the suspects’ homes,which are now undergoing forensic analysis.
Morocco’s DGST provided essential intelligence that helped Spanish authorities track the suspects’ activities and intentions,reinforcing the strategic value of Rabat’s role in regional and international counterterrorism efforts.
The collaboration reflects a broader framework of security cooperation between the two countries,which has intensified in recent years amid shared concerns over extremism and transnational threats.
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