Morocco detains 148 as migrants attempt mass crossing into Ceuta

Moroccan authorities detained 148 irregular migrants on Saturday (15 August) after security forces blocked an attempted mass crossing into the Spanish-administered enclave of Ceuta, officials said.

The group included 128 people from African countries and 20 Moroccan nationals, according to a statement from a provincial official in Fnideq, the Moroccan city bordering Ceuta.

Hundreds of security personnel were deployed around Fnideq, with drones, intervention vehicles and water trucks used to prevent migrants from reaching the border. Authorities said the situation remained “normal and under control”.

The attempted crossing followed anonymous social media calls for migrants to gather and cross into Ceuta and neighbouring Melilla on 15 August. Moroccan officials said they were monitoring online activity and would take action against those organising or encouraging crossings.

Dangerous journey

The latest attempt comes just weeks after tens of thousands of people gathered around Fnideq in an attempt to reach Ceuta. Spanish authorities said more than 72,000 people took part in the July crossing attempt, while Moroccan authorities gave a lower estimate.

The episode was deadly. Moroccan authorities later said 14 people had died, while Spanish figures put the death toll at 80.

For some of those who made it into Ceuta, the journey remains a painful reminder of the risks involved.

Driss Sadik, a 22-year-old from Fez who said he swam for five hours to reach the enclave, urged others not to attempt the journey.

“Don't cross now, my brothers. You're only going to suffer,” he told Reuters.

Adil Jamil, 17, said many young people felt they had little to lose.

“If I had stayed with my parents, I would've died slowly. But if I risk my life, arrive and build my future ... it will be better,” he said.

Pressure on both sides

Spain has since deployed more than 500 additional police officers to Ceuta, bringing the total to more than 1,600, and installed a maritime barrier around the enclave.

Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said the reinforcements would remain as long as necessary.

“We'll continue to deploy whatever personnel are necessary to restore normality as soon as possible and prevent events like those of July 30 from happening again,” he said.

Around 5,000 migrants remain in Ceuta, according to Grande-Marlaska, with hundreds sheltering under makeshift bamboo structures on a beach in the enclave.

The latest attempt highlights the continuing pressure along Morocco's northern border, where migrants from across Africa and Morocco attempt dangerous crossings into Spanish territory in the hope of reaching Europe, driven by economic hardship, conflict and a search for better prospects.

Read more about Ceuta:

• Ceuta crisis: Spain imposes border checks on Italy as migration row escalates
• Morocco says 14 died in mass migration attempt to Ceuta
• Ceuta, Berlin and the limits of the Brandmauer

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