Moroccan security foils new attempts to breach Melilla border

Moroccan security forces successfully thwarted new attempts by migrants to reach the occupied city of Melilla early Saturday. Authorities asserted control around the border crossing leading to the city, while the occupied city of Ceuta saw an attempt to storm a temporary migrant reception center. This comes amid continued tension and unprecedented pressure on both cities following a recent wave of mass crossings.

Beni Ansar witnessed a heavy security presence from Friday evening, with forces deployed across main roads leading to the crossing. This prevented large groups of irregular migrants from reaching the area near Melilla. For the second consecutive day, hundreds of young people, predominantly minors, attempted to reach the crossing and the fence surrounding Melilla. Security forces intervened to contain the situation and block the advancing crowds.

Authorities used water cannons to disperse the gathered migrants. Some individuals retaliated by throwing stones at security personnel, prolonging the tense standoff for hours before public forces restored calm. The area around the crossing had experienced riots and vandalism the previous night, with some migrants damaging public property and targeting shops, necessitating increased security and sweeps.

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The Moroccan security forces prevented new attempts to reach the occupied city of Melilla.

In Ceuta, the crisis escalated as dozens of migrants attempted to breach the temporary reception center, known as CETI, which had exceeded its capacity. Hundreds were forced to sleep outside in difficult humanitarian conditions. Local security sources reported that some migrants, primarily Moroccans along with others from sub-Saharan Africa and Algeria, managed to break down part of the center's fence. Spanish National Police intervened to prevent their entry.

Spanish police established a security cordon around the center's main entrance, with over 500 individuals waiting outside for entry. Those inside were instructed to remain in their rooms to avoid conflict. The center's administration recently allowed only women and girls to enter for humanitarian reasons, leaving hundreds of men outside amid growing challenges in shelter, food, and healthcare. Ceuta continues to grapple with the aftermath of a massive influx of people arriving by land and sea in recent days, straining reception facilities and essential services.

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The center's administration recently allowed only women and girls to enter for humanitarian reasons, leaving hundreds of men outside amid growing challenges in shelter, food, and healthcare.