Morocco Says the Four Attackers Were “Lone Wolves” – Not Group‑Minded Terrorists
In a twist that could have made a movie script, Moroccan officials told the press that the four men who killed two Scandinavian hikers in the Atlas Mountains were, in essence, solo adventurers who had just declared themselves “ISIS fans” in a short video on a Friday night. No coordination with the big bad guys, no wrist‑band orders, just a bunch of disgruntled, low‑budget radicals who decided to try their luck near the famed Toubkal summit.
Who Is Boubker Sabik?
Boubker Sabik – the sharp‑tongued spokesperson for Morocco’s security services – appeared on the state channel 2M TV and stated that the suspects, aged between 25 and 33, marched into the Imlil region “with the intention of doing something bad” but, according to Sabik, they had no pre‑chosen target on their radar. Think of it as a no‑objection “kangaroo court” moment.
Allegiance, but No “Playbook”
The men had recorded a short “I’m with ISIS” video a Friday before the victims were found – a shocking declaration of allegiance that apparently had no supportive contact with any foreign terror network. “It was a lone‑wolf affair with no coordination,” Sabik said. We’re not talking about a 911 mastermind, just four guys doing a very messy version of a crime spree.
What Do We Know About the “Lone Wolves”?
- Originated from the outskirts of Marrakech – no fancy training ground.
- Had sporadic, informal jobs; education level was low‑key.
- One of them had been jailed in 2013 for wanting to join extremists abroad – apparently, somewhere in him something sparked the other three to radicalize.
- Contrary to rumors, they were not returning fighters from the Middle East.
Five‑Day Arrest Frenzy
Sabit also mentioned that nine more people were caught last Friday across various Moroccan cities, thwarting what could’ve been a bigger terror plot. The term “spared us a terror plot” was used exactly. Cops found gun‑sized hunting rifles, knives, electronic devices, and bomb‑making materials during the raids.
ISF Fighters In Morocco: A Quick Snap
Morocco’s on a mission to keep radical “returns” from Syria and Iraq from becoming the local problem. Since the group’s inception, 242 of 1,669 Moroccans who joined the militant organization have been nabbed. Many of those wanted to use false passports or hide out in the refugee crowds heading into Europe. With the ongoing global struggle against ISIS, more fighters are disappearing from the Middle East, but the “walking invasion” in Morocco is still an issue.
The Video Fiasco
There’s a clip circulating online that supposedly shows one of the victims being beheaded. Sabik expressed doubts: “The background is missing and costumes differ from reality.” We’re still trying to authenticate it – sometimes the internet just likes to push dramatic content.
Nor‑African Terror Latency
Morocco is generally shielded from the wave of militant attacks that have rocketed across North Africa. The last “big one” hit the city in 2011, when a restaurant was bombed in Marrakech, killing 17, and that was followed by stifling 20 militant cells in 2017–2018.
The four “lone wolves” may have messed up a fun trek – but customs tell us it’s all about basic human drama, not a grand design. The next chapter? Keeping the nation safe while still offering those scenic mountain views for hikers. Stay tuned!
