Morocco detains dozens of migrants trying to enter Spanish North African exclave Ceuta
The attempted crossings come two weeks after around 72,000 people rushed into the Spanish North African exclave from Morocco. Calls for another mass crossing had been circulating on social media this week.
Moroccan authorities have detained a significant number of migrants who attempted to cross into Ceuta, a Spanish North African exclave. This incident occurred two weeks after a large influx of migrants, estimated at 72,000, entered Ceuta, which led to a rift between Spain and other EU nations. The purpose of this operation is to deter irregular migration towards Ceuta, a city located across the border from the Moroccan city of Fnideq.
Over 100 migrants, primarily from sub-Saharan Africa, were apprehended near Fnideq, according to a security source cited by Reuters. Morocco's Le360 media outlet reported that the total number of detained individuals is 294. Prior to this, Moroccan officials warned against organizing mass crossings on August 15, and vowed to prosecute anyone involved.
Additionally, Moroccan security forces have been present in large numbers around Ceuta and Melilla, another Spanish exclave in the region, with numerous checkpoints established and patrol boats monitoring the coastal waters. Spain's public broadcaster, RTVE, reported that Moroccan officials instructed their journalists to leave the border town of Fnideq abruptly, citing instructions from the Moroccan Interior Ministry.
Spanish journalists have expressed concern over the expulsion of their colleagues and demanded full respect for press freedom. The Spanish government has reinforced security measures in Ceuta, installing a maritime barrier and deploying over 500 additional police officers from mainland Spain, which they intend to maintain until normalcy is restored.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
