Morocco said on Thursday it had dismantled a suspected militant cell linked to an ISIL affiliate in Libya. Some of the nine men arrested were planning attacks in the North African kingdom, Reuters reported, citing officials.

Morocco said on Thursday it had dismantled a suspected militant cell linked to an ISIL affiliate in Libya. Some of the nine men arrested were planning attacks in the North African kingdom, Reuters reported, citing officials.

The cell was operating in the city of Marrakesh, the coastal town of Sidi Bennour and in Smara, which is in the neighboring territory of Western Sahara, according to the Interior Ministry.

The nine were allegedly inspired by another militant from Sidi Bennour who was killed in the Libyan capital Tripoli when militants attacked a prison in September 2015.