Morocco stops hundreds of migrants attempting to cross into Spain's Ceuta enclave

Moroccan security forces intercepted 148 migrants attempting to illegally cross into Spain's Ceuta enclave, employing tear gas, helicopters, drones, and police dogs. The incident occurred in a hilly area near Fnideq, close to the border. Among those stopped were 128 individuals from sub-Saharan Africa and 20 Moroccan nationals.

Two migrants told Spanish television TVE that they were fleeing war-torn Sudan. Moroccan authorities also arrested 61 people in recent days for allegedly promoting and facilitating irregular migration through social media. The authorities announced they would continue surveillance operations to prevent organized mass border crossings.

Moroccan authorities have recently installed a new four-meter-high metal barrier topped with barbed wire near the border to deter large groups from approaching. Spain has also increased security measures in Ceuta, deploying over 1,500 police officers and Civil Guard members. These measures follow a previous mass entry attempt and calls on social media for a new crossing on August 15. According to Spanish humanitarian organizations, at least 141 people died two weeks prior while attempting to reach the Spanish enclave by foot or by swimming.