On August 15, 2026, authorities in Morocco announced a significant increase in the number of migrants detained in the northern city of Fnideq and its surrounding areas, following a collective attempt to cross into the Spanish-administered city of Ceuta. The latest figures reveal that 294 migrants have been apprehended, consisting of 248 individuals from sub-Saharan African nations and 46 Moroccan nationals.
This preliminary count is expected to rise as intensive security operations continue, led by various public forces and security services aimed at preventing such mass migration attempts. Earlier that Saturday, Moroccan authorities successfully thwarted a collective crossing attempt involving hundreds of irregular migrants, predominantly from African countries, who aimed to transit from Fnideq to Ceuta.
According to reports, the situation in Fnideq escalated to a lockdown, with the use of tear gas and helicopters deployed to deter these irregular migrants from reaching Ceuta. Journalistic sources noted that authorities prevented hundreds of migrants from approaching the border crossing amid heightened security measures in the area.
On Wednesday, Rashid Khalfi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, indicated that the ministry had observed an uptick in anonymous posts and messages on various social media platforms inciting organized attempts at illegal mass crossings towards Ceuta and Melilla on August 15. The ministry condemned these calls as dangerous practices that pose serious threats to personal safety and attempt to exploit migration issues for incitement, which is punishable by law.
Khalfi assured that authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to counter any illegal crossing attempts and to apprehend those involved. The recent border events are reminiscent of the influx witnessed between July 29 and 31, when tens of thousands of Moroccans attempted to cross irregularly into Ceuta, only to return to Fnideq shortly after.
On August 7, the National Council for Human Rights in Morocco reported an increase in fatalities during these crossing attempts, with 14 confirmed deaths, while Spanish data indicated a total of 80 fatalities. Estimates from Moroccan authorities at the time suggested that around 40,000 individuals attempted the crossing, whereas Spanish officials claimed the number exceeded 70,000.
Ceuta and Melilla, along with the Chafarinas Islands and other rocky islets in the Mediterranean, are administered by Spain, although Morocco views them as occupied Moroccan territories. Migrants from various countries continuously seek to cross through Morocco into Europe in search of better living conditions amid economic crises and armed conflicts in their home nations.
As reported by aa.com.tr.
