RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Moroccan officials and state media say authorities in the country dismantled a 10-person terrorist cell operating under Islamic State “supervision” that was plotting imminent attacks on targets including a Casablanca shopping mall and a high-end hotel.
State news agency MAP said Sunday the Morocco Mall in Casablanca, the headquarters of the Office Chirifien des Phosphates, and the Sofitel Hotel in Essaouira, were among the targets.
The operation against the cell came amid increasing concerns about Moroccans joining Islamic State extremists, particularly in lawless Libya.
The Interior Ministry said a raid last week in the city of El Jadida recovered weapons and bacteria-generating chemicals believed to be meant for explosives. It said the cell recruited a minor who was preparing to carry out a suicide car bomb attack this past weekend.
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