Morocco tightens control of borders with Algeria to ward off terrorist threat

Morocco has tightened control of its borders with Algeria to ward off terrorist threats coming from Libya, local media reported on Saturday.

Citing security sources, Al Massae said that these measures come following the arrest of several people with links to Islamic State (IS) branch in Libya.

The same source said the measures are particularly driven by the arrest earlier this week of IS-linked suspect in Saidia, a northern coastal town near the Algerian border.

On May 4, Morocco's Interior Ministry said in a statement that the suspect left Morocco illegally six months ago to join IS in Libya, and re-entered illegally through Algeria.

The Moroccan daily said that constructions of security wall with Algeria will significantly help reducing the terrorist threat, especially with the introduction of advanced control technology.

Morocco has seen a growing threat from the IS group. The ministry said it has busted 31 terrorist cells since 2013 and foiled "numerous terrorist plans" targeting vital national, Arab and Western interests.

Source: XINHUA