Security forces on high alert along northern coast amid migration concerns

Moroccan security forces were on high alert Tuesday night along the country’s northern coastline near the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, following online calls urging groups to attempt a mass crossing into the occupied city.

Sources told Hespress AR that security patrols carried out extensive monitoring and sweep operations across the forested areas between the Tanger Med port and the city of Fnideq. Dozens of migrants from sub-Saharan African countries were intercepted and detained during the operation.

The joint efforts of the Royal Gendarmerie, the Royal Armed Forces and the Auxiliary Forces led to the arrest of a significant number of migrants preparing to attempt entry into Ceuta. Authorities subsequently relocated them to areas in eastern and southern Morocco.

In Fnideq, local police also detained dozens of minors and young men who had reportedly traveled to the coastal city with the intention of swimming to the Spanish enclave.

The Royal Navy conducted several operations along the coastal waters near Fnideq and Ceuta, stopping individuals attempting to reach the enclave by sea, according to the same sources.

Local witnesses said groups of unfamiliar youths and minors were seen near markets and the beach Wednesday morning, signs that they may have been responding to social media posts inciting a collective migration attempt.

Helicopters belonging to the Royal Gendarmerie carried out aerial surveillance missions over forested areas surrounding Fnideq, Belyounech and Ksar Sghir to track the movements of migrant groups, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa. Several migrants were arrested, though others are believed to remain in the forests.

Despite the heightened activity and heavy security presence, officials in northern Morocco said the situation remains under control and ruled out the likelihood of large-scale attempts similar to those witnessed last year, when violent clashes and chaos erupted near the border with Ceuta.