– In a resounding testament to its pivotal role in regional security, Morocco’s counterterrorism efforts have received high praise from a senior Spanish police official. The commendation specifically highlights the North African nation’s “impeccable” cooperation during the investigation into the devastating August 17, 2017, terrorist attacks in Barcelona, an incident that claimed 13 lives and injured 150.
Unwavering Professionalism in Barcelona Probe
Speaking before Spain’s Congress, the unnamed senior official lauded the Moroccan police’s investigative work as “impeccable, correct, and comparable” to the highest standards found in Spain or other European nations. This strong endorsement underscores the professionalism and integrity demonstrated by Moroccan authorities, particularly the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), Morocco’s elite counterterrorism unit.
The official recounted a 2017 visit to Morocco with an inspector, where they successfully collected crucial DNA samples from the family of the alleged mastermind behind the attacks, a so-called imam, to confirm his identity following his death in an explosion. This critical step in the investigation was facilitated by Moroccan police, who, according to the official, acted without “limitation or impediment” and showed “maximum interest” in the probe, describing the overall cooperation as “decisively positive.”
A Model of International Counterterrorism Partnership
Beyond the Barcelona investigation, the Spanish official emphasized the broader, “undeniably good” counterterrorism cooperation with Moroccan authorities. This long-standing partnership has been instrumental in safeguarding Spanish security, with Morocco’s intelligence services consistently providing vital information that has led to the dismantling of numerous terror cells on Spanish soil.
Preventing Attacks and Dismantling Networks
The efficacy of this collaboration has been highlighted by other senior Spanish figures. Last year, Javier Antonio Susin Bercero, the Spanish General Commissioner for Information, publicly acknowledged that Morocco’s intelligence services have “saved Spain from many terrorist attacks” over recent years. This sentiment was echoed in 2024 when Spain specifically commended Morocco’s General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST) for its crucial role in dismantling an ISIS-linked terror cell in November of the same year.
An X post from the Spanish National Police further solidified this praise, hailing the joint operation as a “model of international cooperation” and explicitly stating that “The collaboration of Morocco’s General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST) was decisive in dismantling this cell.”
Strengthening Regional Security
The consistent commendation from Spanish officials paints a clear picture of Morocco as a steadfast and indispensable partner in the global fight against terrorism. The depth and effectiveness of this bilateral cooperation not only enhance the security of both nations but also serve as a benchmark for international collaboration in addressing complex transnational threats. As terror networks continue to evolve, the robust intelligence sharing and joint operational capabilities between Morocco and Spain remain a critical bulwark against extremism in the region and beyond.
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