Morocco rounds up 10-member female cell linked to Islamic State

Moroccan authorities have rounded up a 10-member female terrorist cell linked to Islamic State, the Interior Ministry said on Monday.

The ten suspects, who had been active in several different cities, had been in direct contact with Islamic State operatives in Syria and Iraq to plot attacks in the kingdom, the ministry said.

Most of them were relatives of male Islamic State fighters in Syria and Iraq, a statement from the ministry added. During the arrests, police also seized chemicals, which they suspected were intended for use in bombs, the ministry said.

The suspects, the source said, will be referred to court once the interrogation undertaken by the prosecution is over.     

The arrests come four days ahead of parliamentary elections in the North African state. In recent months, Morocco has stepped up raids on suspected militants following a string of attacks in Europe claimed by Islamic State.

According to figures published last year by analysis firm The Soufyan Group, some 1,500 Moroccans had travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight for Islamic State.    (dpa)

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