The death toll among migrants from sub-Saharan Africa found in freezing conditions near Touissit, in Morocco’s eastern Jerada province, has continued to rise in recent days, according to an official source cited by Hespress.
The source said authorities have recovered four additional bodies since mid-December, bringing the number of confirmed deaths in the area to at least 13 this month, as extreme cold grips the mountainous border region near Algeria.
Royal Gendarmerie units discovered the latest bodies in separate operations following the burial of six migrants on Dec. 14 and the identification of two others whose remains were retained at the request of relatives, the source said.
One additional body was found on the same day as the burial, followed by two more on Thursday, Dec. 18, and a fourth on Sunday, Dec. 21.
All four bodies were transferred to the Jerada municipal morgue and will undergo forensic examinations in line with standard procedures, the source added.
Earlier this month, the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, through its Oujda branch, reported that nine migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, including two teenage girls, were found dead between Dec. 3 and Dec. 12 near Ras Asfour, close to Touissit, after succumbing to severe cold. The group said five of the victims could not be identified.
Six bodies were buried in Jerada cemetery on Dec. 12, while two identified bodies were retained pending burial arrangements requested by acquaintances. A ninth body was discovered later the same day.
The official source said the two identified bodies had still not been buried as of this week.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.