Morocco detains over 100 migrants at Ceuta border

By Emma Rossiter
BBC News

Security forces on the Moroccan side of the border intercepted a mass attempt to cross into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta on Saturday, detaining more than 100 people who had gathered on the outskirts of the town of Fnideq, near the coast.

According to Moroccan security sources cited by Reuters, 111 migrants were held in or near the town, the majority of whom were from sub‑Saharan Africa. The group had been in the hills above the coast, and Moroccan police, many in riot gear, reportedly used tear gas to disperse them.

The incident comes only a fortnight after a large sea crossing brought roughly 78,000 migrants into Ceuta in mere hours, of whom the city’s mayor estimated 100 died during the journey.

Spanish officials, who also deployed more than 1,500 officers to patrol the area, had stepped up security with metal fencing and a floating barrier. Moroccan forces added army officers, navy speedboats and drones to the operation on Saturday.

The clash of interest between Morocco and Spain has widened EU debate; Italy has suspended its Schengen arrangement with Spain and the Czech Republic has called for a temporary suspension of Spain’s membership.

Morocco’s government warned that it would prosecute organisers and participants after monitoring circulating social media posts that called for a second mass crossing.