Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Morocco has reported the dismantling of another cell of Islamic State of Iraq and Levant.

The Interior Ministry said an ISIL recruiting cell was captured by security forces. The ministry said the cell, which sought to send fighters to the ISIL wars in Iraq and Syra, operated in Hajeb, Hoceima and Meknes.

“The dismantling of the cell, part of efforts made by the security services to counter the terrorist threat, was conducted on the basis of accurate information by the general directorate for national territory surveillance,” the Interior Ministry said.

In a statement on Jan. 17, the Interior Ministry said security forces had placed the alleged ISIL cell under surveillance. The ministry said the cell consisted of eight operatives, including released security prisoners.

“Investigations revealed that the cell mastermind, who has ties with one of the foreign fighters in the ranks of this terrorist organization, has coordinated several operations of recruitment and sending volunteers by helping them financially to facilitate their travel to this hotspot,” the Interior Ministry said.

Officials said the ISIL detainees underwent weapons and bomb training in Iraq and Syria. They said the cell was assigned to prepare suicide car bombings in Morocco.

The Interior Ministry statement came five days after Morocco announced the dismantling of another ISIL-linked cell. The earlier cell was said to have operated in northern Morocco.

The government has asserted that at least 1,200 Moroccans were fighting with ISIL and Nusra Front for the Defense of Levant in Syria. Parliament has approved a bill to increase the prison sentences for those convicted of joining ISIL.

“It is essential to crack down on terrorism by strengthening the country’s laws,” Moroccan parliamentarian Mohammed Ben Abdul Sadak said.

  200 returnees from Iraq, Morocco dismantles 2nd ISIL cell in wave of 1, Syria, WorldTribune.com