Almost 300 migrants arrested near the Spanish exclave of Ceuta

Two weeks after the mass influx of migrants into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, almost 300 migrants were arrested in northern Morocco. 294 people, most of them citizens from sub-Saharan countries, were intercepted by Moroccan security forces near the border with Ceuta on Saturday, the Le360 news portal reported.

An official representative spoke of a “routine measure to prevent attempts at irregular migration” towards Ceuta. The migrants were picked up on a wooded hill above the town of Fnideq. According to eyewitnesses, Moroccan security forces were heavily present around the exclaves of Ceuta and Melilla and prevented possible border crossings in advance.

The Spanish news agency EFE reported that Moroccan police used tear gas to disperse groups of migrants in the hills around three kilometers from the border. In addition, according to EFE and the Spanish state broadcaster TVE, the Moroccan Interior Ministry instructed their journalists to leave the border town of Fnideq immediately.

In view of false reports on the Internet, the Moroccan authorities announced measures on Wednesday to prevent larger groups of migrants from trying to get to Ceuta again. According to RTVE, additional barriers made of barbed wire and NATO wire were erected in Fnideq. Patrol boats monitor the coast and water cannons were ready at the border. In addition, numerous checkpoints have been set up on the access roads.

Spain had also increased security precautions in light of the fears. There are now 880 national police officers on duty in Ceuta – 270 more than at the end of July. They are supported by around 2,000 soldiers and around 700 Guardia Civil officers.

Posts circulating online spread a rumor that the border to Ceuta would open on Saturday. According to the portals "Le360" and "Hespress", more than 60 people have been arrested in Morocco in the past few days who are accused of "inciting or promoting irregular migration" on online networks.

However, the situation within Ceuta remained largely calm on Saturday. "In the city center it's something like a perfect world, you don't notice any of this. You only occasionally see police and military patrolling," reported a reporter from the German Press Agency. Groups of young migrants can only be seen in the outskirts. The state TV broadcaster RTVE and other Spanish media from the exclave also reported that the situation was largely relaxed.

Around two weeks ago, according to the Spanish authorities, around 72,000 people reached the exclave of Ceuta, which is located next to Morocco, by land or by swimming. The majority of them were returned to the North African country. According to official figures, 91 people died during the onslaught of migrants. The human rights group AMDH, however, assumes at least 141 deaths.