Moroccan authorities said Saturday that they had prevented a large group of irregular migrants from attempting to cross from the northern city of Fnideq into the Spanish-administered enclave of Ceuta.
The Fnideq governorate reported that around 300 migrants, most of them from sub-Saharan African countries, gathered in mountainous areas near Ceuta during the morning. A coordinated deployment of Moroccan security forces stopped the group from reaching or entering the city.
Officials said the border situation around Ceuta and Melilla remained stable and that no violent clashes or significant property damage were reported. Authorities deployed additional personnel and advanced equipment, including surveillance drones and mobile units, to prevent a mass crossing.
Morocco had already increased its security presence in Fnideq in the days leading up to the incident. Security operations and monitoring activities were also intensified throughout the city.
The attempted crossing occurred on a date previously highlighted by Morocco’s Interior Ministry after anonymous social media messages called for large-scale irregular crossings into Ceuta and Melilla.
The incident follows an earlier major migration attempt in the area. Morocco’s National Human Rights Council reported on August 8 that 14 people had died during the Ceuta crossing wave, while Spanish authorities reported a much higher death toll of 80.
Moroccan authorities estimated that approximately 40,000 people participated in the attempted crossing, whereas Spanish officials put the number at more than 70,000.
Ceuta and Melilla are situated along Morocco’s northern coast but are administered by Spain. Morocco continues to claim sovereignty over both territories.
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