On August 15, 2026, Moroccan authorities reported a significant increase in the number of migrants detained in the northern city of Fnideq and its surrounding areas, following a foiled attempt for a mass crossing towards the Spanish-administered city of Ceuta. According to a statement from the local government of Fnideq, a total of 294 migrants were apprehended, comprising 248 individuals from sub-Saharan African countries and 46 Moroccan nationals.
This figure is described as provisional, with the expectation that the number of detained migrants could rise due to ongoing intensive security operations conducted by various public forces and security services aimed at preventing illegal mass migration attempts. Earlier on the same day, Moroccan authorities successfully thwarted a mass crossing attempt involving hundreds of irregular migrants, predominantly from African nations, who were attempting to journey from Fnideq to Ceuta.
Reports from Anadolu Agency indicated that security measures in Fnideq included the use of tear gas and helicopters to deter irregular migrants from reaching the border crossing. Authorities were able to prevent hundreds of migrants from approaching the border, amidst a strong security presence in the area. On Wednesday, Rashid Khallafi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, noted that the ministry had observed the circulation of anonymous messages and posts on social media platforms inciting organized attempts for illegal mass crossings to Ceuta and Melilla on August 15. The ministry condemned these calls as posing serious risks to individuals' safety and exploiting migration issues for unlawful incitement.
Khallafi affirmed that the authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are implementing necessary measures to counter any illegal crossing attempts and to intercept those participating in such activities. The border with Ceuta had previously witnessed an influx of tens of thousands of Moroccans between July 29 and 31, marking the largest wave of irregular crossings to the city, although most returned to Fnideq shortly thereafter. On August 7, the National Human Rights Council of Morocco reported that the death toll from the recent crossing attempts had risen to 14, while Spanish data indicated that 80 fatalities had occurred.
Moroccan authorities estimated that around 40,000 individuals attempted the crossing, whereas Spanish officials claimed the number exceeded 70,000. Both Ceuta and Melilla, along with the Chafarinas Islands and other rocky islets in the Mediterranean, are under Spanish administration, although Morocco regards them as occupied Moroccan territories. Migrants from various countries continuously seek to cross irregularly through Morocco to Europe in search of better living conditions amid economic crises and armed conflicts in their home countries.
As reported by aa.com.tr.
