On 8 May, Spanish authorities arrested a Moroccan citizen suspected of plotting to carry out terrorist attacks in Barcelona at the behest of Daesh; the real extent of his plans have since been revealed.
The 34-year-old “lone wolf” terrorist from Morocco had planned to carry out an attack during a Barcelona-Real Madrid match by using a drone carrying explosives. However, his plan was suspended due to coronavirus restrictions as the games were cancelled, El Periodico revealed, citing police sources. These claims have not been officially confirmed by the Spanish authorities.
The man, whose name remained undisclosed, has spent 12 years in Spain. According to the Civil Guard, he first contacted Daesh* back in 2015. However, the process of his radicalisation reportedly “culminated” during the current coronavirus pandemic, as he lost hist job as a waiter in one of Barcelona's cafes in mid-March and he moved in with one of his colleagues.
He was arrested on 8 May; the Civil Guard had started watching his suspicious movements around Barcelona and his increased level of communication with his Daesh mentor.
“He was in direct contact with foreign terrorists, the FTF (Foreign Terrorist Fighters). They were guiding him along the way and the things he had or could do within the individual jihad to redeem himself,” the source added.
During the lockdown, the former waiter swore his allegiance to Daesh. As the…
