Morocco thwarts 10,000 migrants in 70 border crossing attempts to Ceuta and Melilla

In the past three years, Moroccan authorities have successfully foiled 70 attempts by migrants to jump over the border fences into the Spanish North African cities of Ceuta and Melilla. 

These incidents involved approximately 10,000 migrants, as reported to EFE by the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior.

The same source highlighted that these attempted border crossings were marked by “extreme violence and the use of homemade weapons” against security services.

Both cities, Ceuta and Melilla, are continually attracting the attention of migrant smuggling networks. The authorities have discovered that these networks employ speed boats equipped with outboard engines, often manufactured in southern Europe or within Ceuta and Melilla, to transport individuals from the Moroccan coasts.

Addressing the ongoing challenge, the ministry told EFE that Morocco faces constant migratory pressure, influenced by various factors in Africa and Europe. This situation necessitates strong cooperation with all partners through constant dialogue.

The most recent mass jump attempt occurred on November 17, involving nearly a thousand sub-Saharan Africans trying to enter Ceuta. The clashes between authorities and migrants resulted in 50 Moroccan agents and 30 migrants injured.

However, all were successfully contained by Moroccan authorities, preventing any unauthorized entry.

This attempt was one of the most significant gatherings of migrants in recent months and marks the third collective attempt to jump the border in recent weeks. 

The previous attempts took place on October 30, involving over a hundred individuals, and on November 1, with approximately 200 participants.

By the end of November, Moroccan authorities had thwarted the departure of 64,500 undocumented migrants and rescued 15,000 in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. 

This marks a significant effort, considering that in 2022 there were 70,781 failed attempts and 12,500 people rescued at sea. The majority of those affected are reported to be sub-Saharan Africans.

Spain is a primary gateway for migrants entering Europe, particularly through the western Mediterranean, with vessels departing from Morocco and Algeria.

Between January 1 and November 15, over 13,000 migrants have reached the Spanish mainland or the Balearic archipelago, marking an 11.5% increase compared to the corresponding period last year, according to the most recent data from the Spanish interior ministry.