Security cooperation between Morocco and Spain has now become the cornerstone of regional stability. This partnership, far from being a mere diplomatic coordination, has evolved into a true operational alliance capable of addressing the most complex challenges of the 21st century. Through smooth intelligence sharing and coordinated interventions, the two nations have established a security sanctuary in a geographical area particularly exposed to security threats and cross-border flows.
The numerical results of this collaboration are unequivocal and command the respect of the international community. As recently reported by the Spanish news agency EFE, joint efforts by Moroccan and Spanish services have, since 2015, led to the dismantling of more than thirty terrorist cells and the arrest of 153 radicalized individuals. These figures are not just statistics; they represent dozens of thwarted attacks and the systematic neutralization of recruitment and financing networks on both shores.
At the heart of this success lies the strategic vision of Mr. Abdellatif Hammouchi, Director General of the DGSN-DGST pole. Under his leadership, Moroccan intelligence has undergone a profound transformation, combining technological modernity with human expertise. This excellence has been officially recognized by Spain, which awarded him the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Civil Guard. This tribute highlights the role of a man who has succeeded in turning security into an unbreakable bridge between Rabat and Madrid, a fact widely covered by Iberian media.
Honours awarded to Abdellatif Hammouchi
The recent operation conducted on March 25 between Tangier and Mallorca perfectly illustrates this surgical responsiveness. Based on precise data provided by the BCIJ to the EFE agency, it was learned that the neutralization of three members affiliated with the Islamic State dealt a blow to a sophisticated network. This cell was not only spreading a deadly ideology; it was also managing financial flows to Somalia while planning violent actions on Spanish soil, confirming the constant vigilance of Mr. Hammouchi’s services.
The effectiveness of this model relies on mutual trust between the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) and Spain’s General Commissariat for Information (CGI). Unlike many international agreements burdened by bureaucratic constraints, the Morocco-Spain channel stands out for its speed of execution. Information circulates in real time, enabling the tracking of “lone wolves” and sleeper cells with a precision that disrupts criminal networks.
The EFE agency, a true barometer of bilateral relations, regularly highlights the “unique” nature of this alliance. For Madrid, Morocco is no longer just a geographical neighbor but a partner of destiny. Agency reports emphasize that the depth of Moroccan intelligence—particularly its detailed knowledge of networks operating in the Sahel-Saharan region—constitutes an invaluable asset for the protection of all Europe, positioning Morocco as a guardian of the Strait.
Moroccan security forces stand guard at the headquarters of the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) in Salé, Morocco, on 24 February 2025 – REUTERS/AHMED ELJECHTIMI
This exemplary alliance goes far beyond the fight against terrorism. It includes monitoring financial flows, cybersecurity, and the fight against organized crime. By targeting the roots of extremist group financing, Mr. Hammouchi and his teams are drying up the resources of terror. This multidimensional approach demonstrates that modern security can only be global, integrating both law enforcement action and constant economic vigilance.