Morocco arrests 2 in connection with attacks in Spain

Rabat has reportedly arrested two men linked to Spain’s twin attacks, Madrid’s Interior Minister Juan Ignacio Zoido revealed whilst on a visit to Morocco yesterday.

“Thanks to permanent contact and collaboration between the two countries, Moroccan security services have carried out two arrests here in Morocco linked to the attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils,” Zoido added.

No further details about the men’s detention were revealed due to the ongoing investigation that is currently underway.

Zoido flew into Rabat yesterday to meet Moroccan Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit for talks on the ongoing investigation into the attacks that took place on 17 and 18 August in Barcelona and Cambrils which left more than 13 people dead and dozens injured.

Read: 13 killed in Barcelona, Daesh claims responsibility

The attacks were later claimed by Daesh who were acting through a cell consisting mainly of Moroccans living in Spain. Both Spain and Rabat are working closely with Spanish security forces to identify any more terrorists that may be planning attacks on Spanish soil or elsewhere, the minister said.

During the meeting Laftit warned of the potential influence of “uncontrolled mosques” and “extremist imams” that operate in the Moroccan diaspora communities.

The children of second and third generation Moroccan immigrants who were born in European countries need particular attention [if they are to] escape the clutches of terrorism.