Forensic examinations of materials seized from a 22-year-old suspected Islamic State supporter arrested in Tangier have revealed advanced preparations for manufacturing explosives, including evidence of experimental detonations, Moroccan security authorities said Friday.
The findings follow the suspect’s arrest on October 9 over allegations that he was preparing terrorist attacks in Morocco.
According to a statement from Morocco’s national police and domestic intelligence services, the National Forensic Police Laboratory in Casablanca examined chemical substances, electronic equipment and digital evidence seized during the operation.
Chemical analyses identified several substances associated with the manufacture of explosives, including triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a highly unstable explosive compound, alongside other potentially dangerous chemical materials.
Investigators also examined electrical measuring devices, batteries, switches and metal components suspected of being intended for use in improvised explosive devices.
One of the most significant findings concerned a modified mobile phone recovered during the arrest.
Digital forensic specialists determined that the device had been altered with additional electronic components and wiring, with its operating system modified to function as a potential explosive triggering mechanism, according to the statement.
Authorities said the combination of chemical evidence, electronic equipment and technical traces of experimental detonations indicated that the suspect had progressed beyond preliminary preparations.
The findings strengthen the initial conclusions announced after his arrest, when investigators reported discovering materials allegedly intended for explosive production.
The suspect was detained by officers from the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), working with Tangier’s judicial police, following intelligence provided by the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST).
Searches also uncovered handwritten documents describing cyber-intrusion techniques, electronic equipment, welding materials and other components that investigators believe could have been used to assemble explosive devices.
Authorities describe the suspect as an adherent of Islamic State, also known as ISIS.
The BCIJ investigation remains under the supervision of the prosecutor’s office responsible for terrorism cases.
Investigators are seeking to establish the full extent of the suspect’s alleged plans, including whether he maintained connections with other individuals or networks inside Morocco or abroad.
The authorities have not publicly identified any intended targets or announced further arrests in connection with the case.
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