Leader of jihadist cell planning attack in Spain arrested in Palma
The operation, coordinated with Morocco, has led to the arrest of three people and thwarted an action that the main suspect wanted to be "large-scale".
This browser does not support the video element.
PalmThe National Police arrested the suspected leader of a jihadist cell linked to the Islamic State (Daesh) in Palma on Wednesday, in a joint operation with Moroccan authorities that also led to the arrest of two other people in Tangier. According to the investigation, the group financed terrorism and was planning a possible attack in Spain, which the arrested leader intended to be "a major operation." The arrest took place at a residence located at number 3 Gabriel Maura Street in the Balearic capital. The operation, directed by the National Court, involved the General Information Commissariat and the Provincial Information Brigade, in coordination with Moroccan authorities, in a simultaneous action that forms part of Operation Seula.
Coordinated operation between Spain and Morocco
In parallel with the arrest in Palma, Moroccan security forces have arrested two people in Tangier, who are believed to be part of the same network. The operation involved the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) and the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), the agencies responsible for domestic intelligence in the country. According to police statements, those arrested in Morocco were involved in financing and providing logistical support to jihadist fighters active in areas such as the sub-Saharan Sahel and Somalia, while the leader arrested in Palma was planning a high-impact solo terrorist attack. The profile of the person arrested in Palma
The investigation indicates that the main suspect arrested, considered the leader of the cell, operated from Mallorca and maintained connections with the rest of the network. In addition to his involvement in planning a possible attack, he consumed and disseminated content from the Daesh terrorist organization through social media. He had also expressed his willingness to travel to conflict zones to join the jihad, according to information provided by security forces.
Immediate transfer to Madrid
The suspected jihadist was brought before the National Court as quickly as possible, without waiting for the legally prescribed time limit. The law allows a maximum of 24 hours to bring a detainee before a judge, but in this case, the procedure was carried out immediately.
Unlike other similar cases, where videoconferencing is the norm for formal court appearances, the authorities opted for a swift transfer to comply with legal requirements without delay.
A network linked to Daesh and the Sahel
The investigation indicates that the cell operated in a coordinated manner between Spain and Morocco and was linked to the Islamic State. These types of structures typically operate as a network, with members carrying out tasks such as financing, propaganda, and logistical support, in addition to planning terrorist attacks. Authorities emphasize that these types of operations are part of preventative measures against jihadist terrorism, with the aim of neutralizing threats before they materialize. Consolidated counterterrorism cooperation
Moroccan authorities have highlighted the importance of cooperation with Spain in the fight against terrorism, a collaboration that since 2014 has led to the dismantling of more than 30 terrorist cells. In total, according to data provided by the police forces, 31 joint operations have been carried out, resulting in 150 arrests, 83 of which took place in Spain and 67 in Morocco.
This bilateral cooperation, based on information sharing and operational coordination, has made it possible to thwart multiple threats considered high-risk to the security of both countries.
Notable operations since 2014
The first joint operation took place on March 14, 2014, in what was called Operation Azteca, which culminated in the arrest of eight people of various nationalities. This operation dismantled one of the most significant networks detected between Europe and the Maghreb dedicated to sending jihadist fighters to Syria and the Sahel. With this latest operation, the arrest in Palma once again places the Balearic Islands on the map of international counterterrorism efforts, in a context where security forces are emphasizing the need to remain vigilant against global threats.