Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Morocco has dismantled an Al Qaida network.

The Interior Ministry said security forces captured members of a so-called “jihad” network that operated in several cities in Morocco.

The ministry said the network was directed by an unidentified member linked to Al Qaida in Afghanistan.

“The cell leader, experienced in fighting for terrorist organizations, gained field experience in the Spanish Army,” the ministry said.

In a statement on Jan. 25, the ministry said the network operated in such cities as Fez, Hoceima, Marrakesh, Nador and Tetouan. The dismantling of the cell, including the arrest of an undetermined number of operatives, was conducted by the intelligence community and police.

“A jihadist cell active in several Moroccan cities was dismantled by the Moroccan security services,” the ministry said.

This marked the first announcement in 2014 of the capture of an Al Qaida cell in Morocco. The North African kingdom has reported the foiling of nearly 10 Al Qaida groups over the last 18 months, the last time in August 2013.

The ministry said the insurgency commander was deployed with the Spanish
Army in Melila, a Mediterranean enclave under Spanish rule. The statement
said the operative resigned from the military and moved to Nador where he
began recruiting for the Al Qaida network.

“In addition to conducting operations to attract followers, cell members
planned to carry out criminal activities such as armed robbery,” the
ministry said.

  “jihad” network, Fez, Hoceima, Marrakesh, Moroco dismantles Al Qaida ‘jihad’ network operating in several cities