2 Moroccans held in Spain for 'plotting terror attack'

By Alyssa McMurtry

MADRID

Police in Spain have arrested two Moroccan suspects for allegedly plotting terrorist attacks in Europe.

According to a police statement released Monday, one of the suspects had been detained before by Turkish police along the Turkey-Syria border but he later returned to Spain.

The suspect was allegedly trying to get in touch with Daesh in hopes of receiving militant training that could help him carry out a terrorist attack in Europe, Spanish police said.

“Despite the deviation from his frustrated journey, ‘the returned man’ held on to the idea that he would go back as soon as possible, with the firm intention to become integrated as a fighter in the ranks of the terrorist organization,” the statement said.

Another suspect, referred to as “the helper”, by the Spanish police in the statement, allegedly provided protection and support to the first suspect.

Police said both suspects had been radicalized online. The Moroccan nationals resided in the Spanish cities of Valladolid and Murcia.

So far this year 35 people have been arrested for allegedly being linked to Daesh-related terrorism in Spain, according to the Spanish daily, El Pais.