Spanish-Moroccan counterterrorism operation leads to arrests in Lleida

Tuesday 19 August 2025 - 09:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Spanish-Moroccan counterterrorism operation leads to arrests in Lleida

Spanish authorities have arrested two men in Vallfogona de Balaguer, Lleida, for alleged links to jihadist terrorism. The joint operation, conducted in coordination with Morocco’s General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), highlights the ongoing collaboration between the two countries in combating extremism.

Radicalization and online activity

The suspects, aged 24 and 26, reportedly became radicalized through exposure to extremist propaganda. Security sources revealed that the men were involved in recruitment and indoctrination networks, with one acting as a key intermediary on platforms linked to ISIS.

Authorities began monitoring the suspects a year and a half ago, after detecting one of them engaging in intense online activity tied to ISIS-affiliated websites. Investigators believe the primary suspect played an active role in recruiting others and facilitating potential terrorist plots.

Search and legal proceedings

Police searches at the suspects’ residences uncovered several electronic devices, now under forensic analysis. Both individuals appeared before Central Court No.1 of Spain’s National Court. The court ordered pretrial detention for the main suspect, citing the severity of the allegations.

Strategic Spanish-Moroccan cooperation

The arrests underscore Morocco’s critical role in Spain’s counterterrorism efforts. Morocco’s intelligence services, particularly the DGST, have been instrumental in preventing attacks and dismantling terrorist cells.

In January, Abdellatif Hammouchi, Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance (DGSN-DGST), met with Spanish General Commissioner Javier Antonio Susin Bercero to address shared security concerns, including threats emanating from the Sahel and Sahara regions.

Spanish officials commended the DGST for its regional leadership and emphasized the importance of joint operations to address evolving security challenges. Susin Bercero highlighted Morocco’s effectiveness in intelligence sharing and its pivotal role in coordinated arrests.

This latest operation reflects the deepening security partnership between Spain and Morocco, a collaboration that continues to strengthen counterterrorism efforts on both sides of the Mediterranean.