These operations, which took place on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, were carried out on the basis of accurate information provided by the Directorate General of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), said a statement released by the BCIJ.

BCIJ special forces have initiated their intervention in separate operations targeting the five suspects, aged between 20 and 45 years, in Douar Habata Benmansour in the province of Kenitra, Sidi Yahya Zaer, Dchira in Inzegane Ait Melloul, Bouaboud in Chichaoua and Casablanca, specified the same source.

According to the investigation's preliminary data, each of these suspects had pledged his "allegiance" to the IS and prepared terrorist sabotage plots against vital services in Morocco, using explosive material, or targeting security institutions as part of "individual terrorism" operations.

The investigation carried also revealed by some of the suspects were receiving training in the manufacture of explosive devices, the statement further indicated.

Security services seized a shotgun and ammunition at the place of residence of suspect arrested in Douar Habata Benmansour (Kenitra), in addition to weapons, equipment and digital from other operations. These will be submitted to the necessary technical expertise.

The five individuals were place in custody at the disposal of the investigation carried out by the BCIJ, to shed more light on all terrorist plots and identify potential connections to terrorist organizations abroad.

These operations go in the framework of DGST's efforts to strengthen preventive security in order to ensure the safety of all citizens and that of their property against terrorist risks and extremist thinking, the statement concluded.