Rabat, Jan 19 (IANS): Morocco has dismantled a terrorist cell operating in Meknes, El Hajeb and Al Hoceima. It was recruiting fighters to join the Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq, Morocco's MAP news agency said quoting the interior ministry.

The cell was smashed as part of efforts by Morocco's security services to counter the terrorist threat. The operation was conducted on the basis of information obtained by the general directorate for national territory surveillance, MAP added.

The cell, made up of eight people, included former detainees in terror-related cases, the agency said.

Investigations revealed that the cell mastermind, who has ties with one of the foreign fighters of IS, coordinated several recruitment operations and helped volunteers financially to travel to this hotspot, the statement noted.

According to the available information, the Moroccan fighters undergo intense training in Syria and Iraq in the use of weapons, manufacturing explosives and preparing car bombs to commit terrorist strikes in Morocco, MAP noted.

The arrested men will be brought to justice after the investigations are completed under the supervision of the public prosecutor's office, MAP said.