On August 15, 2026, Moroccan authorities announced a significant rise in the number of migrants detained in the northern city of Fnideq and its surroundings, following a collective attempt to cross into the Spanish-administered city of Ceuta. Reports indicate that the total number of detained individuals has reached 148, consisting of 128 migrants from Sub-Saharan African nations and 20 Moroccan nationals.
This alarming development was confirmed by a statement from the governorate of Fnideq, citing an unnamed official. Earlier that same day, Moroccan officials thwarted a mass crossing attempt involving hundreds of illegal migrants, primarily originating from African countries, who were attempting to move from Fnideq to Ceuta.
Eyewitness accounts from Anadolu Agency's correspondent indicated that the city of Fnideq experienced a significant security lockdown, with the use of tear gas and helicopters aimed at preventing illegal migrants from crossing into Ceuta. The authorities successfully barred hundreds of migrants from approaching the border crossing amidst a heightened security presence in the area.
On the previous Wednesday, Rashid Khalfi, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, revealed that the ministry had recently observed the circulation of anonymous posts and messages on various social media platforms, urging the organization of illegal collective crossing attempts towards the cities of Ceuta and Melilla on August 15. He labeled these calls as dangerous practices that jeopardize public safety and exploit migration issues for incitement, which is punishable by law.
Khalfi assured that the authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are implementing necessary measures to counter any attempts of illegal crossing and to intercept participants in such acts.
In late July, between the 29th and 31st, the region witnessed an influx of tens of thousands of Moroccans in the largest wave of illegal crossings towards Ceuta, most of whom later returned to Fnideq. On August 7, the National Human Rights Council in Morocco reported that the number of fatalities from the crossing attempt had risen to 14, while Spanish data indicated that 80 individuals had died. At that time, Moroccan authorities estimated the number of crossers at about 40,000, while Spanish officials claimed the number exceeded 70,000.
Ceuta and Melilla, along with the Chafarinas Islands and other rocky territories in the Mediterranean, are under Spanish administration; however, Morocco regards them as occupied Moroccan territories. Migrants from various countries continually attempt to cross through Morocco to Europe in search of better lives amidst economic crises and armed conflicts in their home nations.
As reported by aa.com.tr.
