Recent attempts by migrants to enter Melilla, the second Spanish enclave in North Africa, have led to heightened tensions in the region. According to media reports, police have been securing the border with Morocco throughout the night. Footage aired by state television RTVE showed numerous Guardia Civil patrol cars with flashing lights patrolling the border area.
On Friday evening, reports indicated that around 500 individuals initially attempted to gain access to the enclave from Morocco around 7 PM. A second attempt to breach the border fence occurred at approximately 9 PM, during which several individuals threw stones at security forces. In response, the authorities deployed tear gas. It remains unclear whether anyone successfully reached Melilla, as the Beni Enzar border crossing has been closed since Thursday evening.
In contrast, the situation in Ceuta, the other Spanish enclave in North Africa, has reportedly stabilized. By Friday morning, approximately 50,000 migrants had arrived irregularly from Morocco, with many swimming along the coast. Authorities suggest that most of these individuals have since returned to Morocco, while an unknown number continue to remain in the area. RTVE broadcast images of people walking through the streets on Saturday night, searching for shelter, as local reception centers have become overcrowded.
Ceuta and Melilla, situated along the North African coast, have been under Spanish control for centuries. In recent days, nearly 50,000 migrants have entered Ceuta irregularly via the Strait of Gibraltar, according to the national broadcaster Radio Nacional, citing government sources. Regional president Juan Jesús Vivas even claimed the figure could be as high as 60,000.
As reported by spiegel.de.
