Nearly 600 vehicles cross Melilla-Morocco border in first 9 hours of reopening

The border between the Spanish city of Melilla and Morocco has seen a significant flow of traffic since its gradual reopening. In the first nine hours after resuming operations, nearly 600 vehicles made the crossing from Melilla into Morocco.

Simultaneously, approximately 200 vehicles have crossed from Morocco into Melilla. The Beni-Enzar crossing, the sole connection between the autonomous city and its neighboring country, remains operational for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Sources from the Government Delegation confirmed the ongoing transit, noting that pedestrian crossing data is still being compiled.

This reopening follows a period of reduced migratory pressure in the region. The border had been closed for a day and a half due to a migratory crisis that involved a massive influx of migrants into Ceuta. The current situation at the border is described as calm, allowing for its continued operation.

For security reasons, the reopening is being managed gradually, with vehicles allowed to pass in batches of 20. This measure aims to prevent overcrowding in the border security zone and ensure it can be cleared quickly if necessary to close again due to migrant entry attempts. Currently, for humanitarian reasons, priority is given to vehicles from the Operation Passage of the Strait (OPE) that were stranded during the closure. Around 700 such vehicles, carrying approximately 2,000 people, are being accommodated, many of whom had been waiting since Thursday night.