Saudi Arabia issued a strong condemnation on Tuesday of terrorist plots recently targeting Morocco, reaffirming its unwavering solidarity with the North African kingdom. The Kingdom also praised the efficiency and professionalism of Moroccan security services in rapidly responding to these threats.
Official Statement from Saudi Foreign Ministry
In an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kingdom denounced the plots, which were intended to undermine public order and threaten the safety of individuals and property in Morocco. The statement read: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation and strongest denunciation of the terrorist plots that targeted undermining public order and the security of persons and property in the sisterly Kingdom of Morocco."
The Ministry reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's unwavering solidarity with the Moroccan government and its people, emphasizing its absolute opposition to all forms of terrorism and extremism. "The Kingdom affirms its solidarity with Morocco—both its government and its people—and its total rejection of all forms of terrorism and extremism, as well as any attempts to destabilise the security and stability of Morocco and its brotherly people," the statement added.
Praise for Moroccan Security Forces
The Ministry commended the efforts of Moroccan security services in protecting security and thwarting these plots. "The Kingdom commends the efforts and efficiency of the Moroccan security services in protecting security and quickly thwarting these cowardly terrorist plots, wishing continued security, stability, and prosperity for Morocco and its brotherly people," the statement read.
UAE Also Condemns Plots
Earlier in the day, the United Arab Emirates also strongly condemned the terrorist plots recently thwarted by Moroccan security forces, affirming its "complete solidarity" with the nation. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs of the UAE released an official statement from Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, in which he strongly denounced the plans designed to seriously undermine public order and threaten safety. The UAE foreign ministry statement said: "His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed the UAE's strong condemnation and denunciation of the terrorist plots that were thwarted in the brotherly Kingdom of Morocco."
Details of the Foiled Attacks
Morocco announced on Monday that it had arrested 10 members of a cell linked to the ISIL affiliate in Sahel Province (ISSP), foiling a planned attack, according to Al Jazeera. The plots involved logistical coordination with a branch of the "Daesh" terrorist organisation operating in the Sahel region.
Citing the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations, Morocco's chief counterterrorism agency, Al Jazeera reported that raids across several Moroccan cities uncovered bladed weapons, military-style clothing, bomb-making instructions, digital material, chemicals, and a car suspected to have been modified for bombing or ramming attacks. The Bureau also stated that the suspects were seized subsequently.
Additionally, a warehouse used by the cell contained butane gas cylinders and pressure cookers filled with nails and electrically wired, Al Jazeera reported. Police indicated that the group's plans were in "an advanced stage of preparation."
