Moroccan authorities say IS-linked cell dismantled

RABAT, Morocco — Moroccan authorities said on Wednesday they dismantled a “terrorist cell” that was recruiting volunteers for the Islamic State terror group.

The IS-affiliated cell, which was active in the northern city of Fez and nearby town of Moulay Yacoub, had seven members, an interior ministry statement said.

They “recruited and sent Moroccan volunteers to Iraq and Syria” where the jihadist group holds territory, it said.

Police seized bladed weapons, military uniforms, money and electronic equipment during the raid.

The authorities have regularly announced the dismantling of IS cells and arrest of suspected jihadist recruiters in recent months.

The kingdom has been spared deadly jihadist attacks since a 2011 bombing in the central city of Marrakesh which killed 17 people, mainly European tourists.