The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) has managed in 2017 to dismantle nine terrorist cells, neutralize 186 suspected terrorists and arrest 20 «returnees», people who have returned to Morocco after staying in conflict zones. In fact, the Central Bureau have dismantled 49 cells since its creation. 21 of them were stopped in 2015, 19 in 2016 and 9 others in 2017. The results of the fight against terrorism in Morocco, especially for 2017, is a Moroccan success story, which is welcomed by Abdelhak Khiame, director of the BCIJ. «Above all, the number of cells dismantled in 2017 must be compared to the numbers when the Office was first launched. (...). This reminder shows that there is a decline in the dismantling of terrorist cells,» said Abdelhak Khiame, in an exclusive interview with MAP news agency. «With regards to the persons arrested in connection with these dismantlements, since 2015 they have numbered 739 individuals (275 in 2015, 276 in 2016 and 186 individuals in 2017).» The latter indicates that of these 49 dismantled cells, five are linked to the so-called «Al Faye Wa Listihlal» principle, while the other 44 are linked to the so-called «Islamic State» terrorist organization. The BCIJ keeps an eye on the individuals who have returned to Morocco. From 2015 to 2017, the BCIJ arrested 92 «returnees». Of the 20 people arrested in 2017, 19 were coming from the Syrian-Iraqi conflict zone and one from Libya. People who have deserted their homes to seek refuge in other countries in the region pose a serious problem. In this regard, Abdelhak Khiame assures not to hold accurate information, due to a «lack of regional cooperation.»
