Moroccan navy has intensified surveillance along the maritime border with Ceuta to curb the surge of immigrants attempting to swim from the shores of Morocco, a trend that has spiked dramatically in recent days.
According to police sources who spoke to Spanish news agency EFE, a Moroccan patrol boat has been permanently stationed at the northern border breakwater of Benzú, with increased monitoring also observed at the Tarajal border.
No instances of swimming attempts into the city were recorded in hours, after following a significant uptick in such incidents in the preceding days.
These entries have been characterized by a “constant and continuous” flow, primarily through the northern Benzú and southern Tarajal border breakwaters, although a small group of immigrants has also taken advantage of the inclement weather to breach the double border fence separating the city from Morocco, EFE reported
According to police sources, several factors have contributed to these attempts, including the mistaken belief among immigrants that bad weather conditions facilitate their journey to Ceuta, buoyed by the push of waves and currents. Additionally, there is a misconception that border control is relaxed during such periods.
Furthermore, the prevailing strong winds, with gusts exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, have significantly damaged sensors along the 8.2-kilometer land border perimeter, causing constant alarms and impeding the accurate determination of whether fence breaches are occurring.
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.
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