Morocco Detains Over 100 Migrants in New Ceuta Border Attempt

Moroccan security forces intercepted more than 100 migrants attempting to reach Spanish Ceuta on Saturday, detaining 111 people near the border town of Fnideq, roughly 3 kilometres from the crossing. The majority were from sub-Saharan Africa, according to Moroccan security sources cited by Spanish media and Reuters.

Heavy Security on Both Sides

Officers in riot gear used tear gas to disperse groups gathered on hills near the border. Morocco stationed army units, navy speedboats and drones along the coast, while Spain deployed more than 1,500 officers. Security at the breakwater was described as ten times stronger than the previous day.

Fallout from July’s Mass Crossing

The crackdown follows roughly two weeks after around 78,000 migrants reached Ceuta by sea in hours in late July. Some 100 people died, per the city’s mayor. Both governments reinforced the border; Morocco warned it would prosecute organisers of any repeat attempt after social media posts called for a second mass crossing this weekend.

European Diplomatic Tensions

The July crisis triggered a diplomatic dispute in the European Union. Italy suspended its Schengen arrangement with Spain, backed by Finland and Denmark. The Czech Republic called for Spain’s membership to be suspended, though Madrid noted Ceuta is not part of the Schengen area.