Moroccan Authorities Intercept Migrants Near Ceuta Border
On Saturday, Moroccan authorities apprehended dozens of migrants who were attempting to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, situated in North Africa. According to reports from Moroccan security sources, which were cited by Spanish media and the Reuters agency, over 100 individuals were stopped while trying to reach the border in the vicinity of the city of Fnideq. This incident comes approximately two weeks after around 78,000 migrants arrived at the enclave via sea in a matter of hours, with reports indicating that approximately 100 people perished during this surge, as stated by the city's mayor. The majority of these arrivals have since returned to Morocco.
In response to this influx, security measures in the region have been intensified, particularly amid calls circulating on social media for a second mass crossing attempt over the current weekend. Security sources reported that 111 individuals were detained in or around the city of Fnideq, which is known in Spanish as "Castillejos" and is located roughly three kilometers from the border. The majority of those detained are said to originate from sub-Saharan African countries. Reports indicate that Moroccan police, including riot gear-wearing personnel, employed tear gas to disperse groups of migrants gathered on nearby hills.
Heightened Security Measures and International Tensions
Earlier this week, the Moroccan government announced that it was monitoring the circulation of "unidentified posts and messages on social media" calling for a mass crossing attempt on Saturday, warning that it would take legal action against organizers and participants. The Spanish newspaper "El País" reported that security measures at the maritime barrier entry point were "ten times stricter compared to the previous day." In addition to a metal fence and a floating barrier set up earlier in the week, Morocco deployed military personnel, high-speed naval boats, and drones at the border on Saturday. Meanwhile, Madrid has sent over 1,500 security personnel to patrol the area.
The recent crisis, which had subsided since its onset in late July, has reignited tensions among European Union countries that share open borders, leading to criticism of the Spanish government. Italy has suspended Schengen arrangements with Spain, supported by Finland and Denmark, while the Czech Republic has called for Spain's temporary suspension from EU membership, despite Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez asserting that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen Zone. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed concerns on Saturday regarding the potential for a new wave of arrivals at Ceuta, stating, "We are not fighting any kind of battle against Spain; we are merely monitoring incoming migrants closely." He added, "Instead of worrying about us, Spain should focus on Morocco, from where the problems originate, and certainly not from the border controls we are enforcing."
As reported by bbc.com.
