Moroccan border agents stopped hundreds of Sub-Saharan migrants who tried to jump the Ceuta fence or swim into Spanish beaches on Wednesday night, in an operation that involved a Spain-deployed helicopter, maritime services and civil guards.
Some 800 migrants overwhelmed the Moroccan authorities in an all-nighter crossing attempt, according to Ceuta-based news outlet El Faro de Ceuta. Some threw stones at the border agents as they raced down the Belyounech town, where the last beach in the Mediterranean on the Moroccan side is found.
At least 200 migrants were able to reach the Belyounech beach, but none managed to pass, except for a Moroccan citizen who swam across to Benzú, before being intercepted by the Civil Guard and handed over to Moroccan authorities.
All the migrants involved were intercepted by the Moroccan forces, either places under detention or taken to hospital after injuries.
Melilla and Ceuta are the only land borders between Africa and Europe, making them popular destinations for migrants in the hope of reaching the European Union for a better life.
Less than a month ago, a batch of over 200 migrants crossed into the Melilla enclave, while over 10,000 migrants stormed the Ceuta border in mid May.
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