Morocco dismantles recruitment cell for Iraq

Moroccan police say they have dismantled a nine-person cell recruiting volunteers to fight with the radical Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.

The interior ministry statement on Thursday said the investigation into the network, based in the cities of Tetouan, Fez and Fnideq, was carried out in co-operation with Spanish authorities.

While Morocco has been largely spared the terrorist attacks striking elsewhere in North Africa, police frequently report dismantling recruitment cells.

The statement warned that many of the fighters hope to return after being trained, to carry out attacks in Morocco.

Police say 900 Moroccans are fighting in Syria and 100 have been arrested upon their return.