Morocco launches "precautionary arrests" against potential IS attacks

Morocco has carried out "precautionary arrests" amid concerns over potential attacks by the Islamic State (IS) members, after the country helped France hunt down the alleged mastermind of the recent Paris attacks, local media reported on Saturday.

Moroccan police have maintained alert on potential lone wolf attacks by IS supporters due to the "pioneering" role that Morocco intelligence services have played in locating and neutralizing Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the alleged mastermind of the recent Paris attacks in which at least 130 people were killed, according to Alyaoum24 news website which cited a Moroccan security source, revealed that

These arrests in Morocco have targeted numerous terrorists suspects in different part of the country. Firm instructions were given to different security services to be ready to face potential terrorist threats, the same source said, stressing that plans for worst case scenarios are adopted.

French President Francois Hollande on Friday thanked visiting King of Morocco Mohammed VI for the "efficient help" the kingdom had given after the Nov. 13 attacks in Paris.

Sources said Rabat had offered vital information that led to locating Abaaoud at a flat in the Parisian suburbs.

The 28-year-old Belgian man of Moroccan origin was believed to have orchestrated simultaneous attacks in Paris.

He was killed during a raid assault in northern Paris suburb of Saint-Denis on Wednesday. Endit