Morocco detained hundreds of migrants heading to Ceuta in a new mass attempt to enter Spain

Moroccan security forces detained at least 111 migrants on Saturday who were attempting to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The group was found hiding in a mountainous region near the town of Fnideq, located in northern Morocco. This latest attempt to enter Spanish territory comes just two weeks after a massive surge of over 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta, causing significant diplomatic friction between Spain and Morocco and fueling anti-immigration rhetoric globally. During that previous influx, at least 96 people died trying to reach European soil. Moroccan security sources reported that among those detained were 109 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and two Moroccan nationals. Spanish public broadcaster TVE reported that the Moroccan Interior Ministry ordered journalists to leave Fnideq immediately without explanation. In Ceuta, Spanish soldiers were seen guarding supermarkets, and police intensified patrols. Madrid has bolstered security in the enclave since the July 30 incident, installing a maritime barrier and deploying over 500 additional police officers, bringing the total to more than 1,600. The Spanish Interior Ministry stated that these reinforcements would remain as long as necessary to restore normalcy and prevent recurrence.

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We will continue to deploy all the necessary personnel to restore normality as soon as possible and prevent a repeat of the events of July 30.