Significant Increase in Detentions Following Collective Crossing Attempts
On Saturday, the Moroccan authorities reported a notable rise in the number of migrants detained in the city of Fnideq and its surroundings, following a collective attempt to cross into the Spanish-administered city of Ceuta. The total number of detained individuals has now reached 148, as detailed in a statement from the local governor's office, which cited an unnamed official. This group includes 128 migrants hailing from Sub-Saharan African countries and 20 Moroccan nationals.
Earlier on the same day, Moroccan authorities successfully thwarted a massive attempt by hundreds of undocumented migrants, primarily from various African nations, who were attempting to reach Ceuta from Fnideq. According to an Anadolu Agency correspondent, security measures in Fnideq intensified, involving the use of tear gas and helicopters to prevent the migrants from crossing into Ceuta. Reports indicated that security forces effectively blocked the approach of hundreds of migrants to the border crossing, amidst a significant police presence in the area.
Authorities Respond to Social Media Provocations
On Wednesday, Rashid Khalfi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, revealed that the ministry had observed an increase in anonymous posts and messages across several social media platforms, inciting collective illegal crossing attempts towards the cities of Ceuta and Melilla on August 15. The ministry denounced these calls as posing serious risks to personal safety and as attempts to exploit migration issues for incitement, which is a criminal offense under the law. Khalfi assured that the authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are taking necessary measures to counter any illegal crossing attempts and to detain those involved.
Previously, between July 29 and July 31, a massive influx of tens of thousands of Moroccans was witnessed at the border with Ceuta, marking one of the largest waves of illegal crossings into the city before most returned to Fnideq. Additionally, on August 7, the National Human Rights Council of Morocco reported that the death toll from the crossing attempts had risen to 14, while Spanish data indicated that 80 people had perished during these endeavors. Moroccan authorities estimated the number of individuals attempting to cross at around 40,000, while Spanish officials reported that the figure exceeded 70,000.
Ceuta and Melilla, along with the Chafarinas Islands and other rocky islets in the Mediterranean Sea, are under Spanish administration, but Morocco considers them to be occupied Moroccan territories. Migrants from various countries continue to make perilous attempts to cross illegally through Morocco towards Europe, seeking a better life amid economic crises and armed conflicts in their home nations.
As reported by aa.com.tr.
