Hundreds of migrants attempted to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco on Sunday and Monday. Spanish authorities intercepted and returned over 300 migrants who managed to reach the city’s shores.
The mass crossing attempt occurred amid heightened tensions and amid a thick mist that provided cover for the migrants.
Most of the individuals involved were Moroccan nationals seeking to reach Europe. The incident took place near the Tarajal border crossing, one of the main entry points into Ceuta.
Morocco has rounded up approximately 350 adults at its land border gate. These individuals were intercepted throughout the day, afternoon, and evening.
Information about any minors who managed to cross the border is still being collected by the autonomous city.
“There was pressure and we handled it with Morocco,” a spokesperson for the Guardia Civil in Ceuta told Reuters.
Spanish authorities, including the National Police and Civil Guard, deployed significant resources to respond to the crisis. The forces have secured the border area and are on high alert for further attempts.
While the exact number of migrants involved in the incident remains unclear, Spanish officials confirmed that the majority of those intercepted were returned to Morocco.
However, a number of minors and potential asylum seekers were detained for further processing.
The number of irregular migrants entering Spain has skyrocketed in recent months, with Ceuta and the Canary Islands witnessing significant increases.
According to the Spanish Interior Ministry, over 650 migrants have entered Ceuta alone this year, including a staggering 230 in August. This represents a substantial rise compared to previous years.
The Canary Islands, located off the coast of West Africa, have also experienced a surge in migrant arrivals. Since January, approximately 31,155 migrants have reached Spain through the Canary Islands, marking a 66.2% increase compared to the same period last year.
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.