Over 100 arrested in Morocco over fresh Ceuta migrant crossing attempt
Moroccan authorities arrested over 100 individuals attempting to cross the border into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. This follows a recent surge in migration attempts that has prompted Spain to increase security measures.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the persistent migration crisis at the border between Africa and Europe and the resulting diplomatic and security tensions.
Moroccan authorities arrested at least 111 people on Saturday after a group attempted to reach Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, following calls on social media for another mass border crossing.The arrests came about two weeks after a large influx of migrants reached Ceuta from Morocco, prompting Spain to reinforce security around the enclave.According to a source in Morocco's interior ministry cited by Sky News, 109 of those arrested were from sub-Saharan Africa and two were Moroccan nationals. They were detained in and around Fnideq, the Moroccan city located across the border from Ceuta.Moroccan authorities had been monitoring social media posts calling for another mass crossing on August 15 and had warned that organisers and participants could face prosecution.Spanish news agency EFE reported that Moroccan police used tear gas to disperse people gathered on hills roughly two miles from the border.
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