Spain Takes Action Against Migrants in Ceuta

In a decisive move, Spanish authorities have returned 21 migrants to Morocco following an incident in which they were reported to have thrown stones at a military patrol in the enclave of Ceuta. The migrants, whose identities have been confirmed by the Spanish Civil Guard, voluntarily agreed to return to Morocco, as stated in reports released on Sunday.

The confrontation occurred on Saturday evening at Trampolín Beach, a known gathering spot for many migrants who have been residing on the streets of this Spanish enclave located in North Africa. This situation comes in the wake of a significant influx of around 70,000 individuals from Morocco at the end of July.

According to sources, after soldiers reported being targeted by stone-throwing, the Civil Guard intervened to identify those involved. Fortunately, the altercation concluded without any reported material damage or injuries. Despite the majority of migrants arriving in late July leaving shortly after, thousands remain in the area – estimates suggest approximately 5,000 according to the central government and around 10,000 according to local authorities.

This 18.5 square kilometer territory, home to about 80,000 residents, has seen several incidents reflecting rising tensions, including stone-throwing at military patrols, which have necessitated evacuations. Additionally, clashes with police have occurred during protests staged by locals demanding the removal of migrants from the area.

In light of these ongoing challenges, the government has recently taken control of the Ceuta port after local authorities, led by the opposition People's Party, declined to allow the establishment of temporary accommodation facilities for migrants. Regional Policy Minister Ángel Víctor Torres emphasized in a televised interview on Sunday that these shelters are intended to be dismantled, indicating they are not meant for the prolonged residence of migrants in Ceuta. He added, "The quicker we can identify them, the faster we can return them."

As reported by sharjah24.ae.