Morocco Arrests 111 People Near Spain’s Ceuta Border Amid Mass Crossing Fears
Moroccan authorities tighten security around Fnideq and Ceuta after arresting 111 people amid fears of another mass migrant crossing into Spain.
- Morocco arrests 111 people near Spain’s Ceuta border
- Security tightened amid fears of another mass crossing
- Authorities move to stop migrants from reaching the border.
Moroccan authorities have arrested at least 111 people who allegedly attempted to enter Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta, as security was tightened following online calls for another mass border crossing.
The arrests were made on Saturday in and around Fnideq, a Moroccan city located directly across the border from Ceuta. Those detained included 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan nationals, according to a Moroccan Interior Ministry source.
Spanish news agency EFE reported that Moroccan police used tear gas to disperse groups gathered on hills approximately three kilometres from the border.
The latest arrests come about two weeks after more than 72,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta on July 30, an incident that reportedly left at least 96 people dead.
Security Tightened Around Ceuta
Spanish authorities have maintained a heavy security presence in Ceuta, with soldiers deployed near key areas and police patrolling the streets.
Spain has also installed a maritime barrier and deployed more than 500 additional officers from mainland Spain, bringing the number of police officers in the enclave to over 1,600.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said the additional security personnel would remain in place for as long as necessary to prevent another mass crossing.
He said migrants who entered Ceuta irregularly would generally not be allowed to travel to mainland Spain or obtain legal status, except in limited circumstances. Those without the right to remain would be returned to Morocco.
Morocco Intensifies Border Checks
Moroccan authorities had earlier warned that they were monitoring social media posts calling for a coordinated attempt to cross into Ceuta on August 15.
Security was subsequently reinforced around Fnideq, with additional police officers, vehicles and checkpoints deployed along routes leading towards the border.
Similar measures were reportedly introduced around Melilla, Spain’s other North African enclave.
Authorities also stopped some groups from travelling by train and bus from cities including Casablanca, Fez and Kenitra towards northern Morocco.
Saturday’s attempted crossing was contained without a repeat of the large-scale influx witnessed in July.
