Morocco's security services have rounded up a dangerous gang of radical Islamists linked to al-Qaeda that planned to carry out attacks in the North African country, state news agency MAP reported.MAP on Friday quoted police as saying members of a group called Fath Al Andalous (Conquest of Andalusia) were found in possession of chemicals and electronics "used in the making of explosives".
"Members of this structure ... were planning attacks in Morocco and had established operational links with foreign extremists of al-Qaeda organization," MAP quoted police as saying. Police did not say where the suspects were arrested but said the network was present in several Moroccan cities.
Those arrested would be taken before a court. No identities were given.
Security analysts say rebels in Algeria with links to al-Qaeda are trying to step up cooperation with Islamist radicals in neighboring states where poverty, unemployment and alienation from politics can be exploited by armed groups seeking to recruit disillusioned youths.
Since suicide bombings killed 45 people in Casablanca five years ago, Moroccan authorities have rounded up thousands of Islamists suspected of planning to overthrow the secular-minded monarchy. Hundreds have been jailed.
Seven men blew themselves up in Casablanca in March and April last year, killing themselves and a police officer.