The terrorist threat linked to Daesh and Al-Qaeda “remains present” in Morocco, indicates a report by the UN Secretary General on the threat posed by ISIL (Daesh) to international peace and security.
“Despite the successes in the fight against terrorism, the threat linked to Daesh and Al-Qaeda remains present in the country”, indicates the 15e report of the UN Secretary-General on the threat posed by Daesh to international peace and security and on the action taken by the United Nations to assist Member States in countering this threat.
In this document, the head of the UN specifies that in Morocco, the security services arrested nine pro-Daesh individuals between January and May. Two of them were seeking to join other conflict zones, notably in Afghanistan and another was in possession of manuals for the manufacture of homemade explosives, adds the document.
It also explains that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has strengthened Morocco’s capacity to investigate terrorist crimes, including those committed by foreign terrorist fighters and returnees, with due respect the rule of law and human rights and taking into account the gender dimension.
The report also reveals that in the first half of 2022, the threat posed by Daesh and its affiliates to international peace and security continued to increase, in line with trends observed over the past two years. .
The threat remains particularly high in conflict zones, from where it could spread to areas not affected by conflict, the report warns, noting that despite the elimination of many leaders, Daesh and its affiliates continue to exploit security vulnerabilities and conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism to recruit and to organize and carry out sophisticated attacks.
The slowing global economy and rising inflation, together with the fiscal and monetary measures taken by governments to deal with it, may exacerbate these factors in the spread of terrorism and further increase the threat, according to the report.
According to the same document, Daesh bets on exploiting conflict-related vulnerabilities while seeking to inspire or direct attacks in areas not affected by conflict, where attacks generate more media impact, which can translate with increased interest and support.
“Although the threat remains relatively low outside of conflict zones, it is essential to continue to monitor any restoration or strengthening of the capacity of Daesh to carry out or facilitate attacks outside of these zones”, recommends the secretary general of the UN in its report.