Morocco detains dozens of migrants trying to cross into Ceuta
Security had been stepped up amid suggestions on social media of a second mass crossing on Saturday.
Moroccan authorities apprehended dozens of migrants on Saturday as they attempted to enter the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta.
According to Moroccan security sources, whose information was relayed by Spanish media and Reuters, over 100 individuals were prevented from reaching the border near the town of Fnideq.
This incident follows a significant event two weeks prior, when approximately 78,000 migrants arrived in Ceuta by sea within a few hours, resulting in 100 fatalities, as reported by the city's mayor.
Both Spanish and Moroccan authorities had heightened security in the region after the previous influx and in response to social media speculation about another large-scale crossing attempt this weekend.
Security sources indicated that 111 people were detained in or around Fnideq (also known as Castillejos in Spanish), located about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the border. The majority of those detained were from sub-Saharan Africa.
Moroccan police, some equipped with riot gear, reportedly deployed tear gas to disperse groups of migrants gathered on nearby hills.
Earlier in the week, Rabat announced it was monitoring "the circulation of social media posts and messages of unknown origin" advocating for a mass crossing on Saturday, and warned that organizers and participants would face prosecution.
Spain has deployed over 1,500 officers to patrol the area.
Spanish newspaper El País reported that security at the breakwater entrance was "10 times stronger than the previous day." In addition to a metal fence and a floating barrier installed earlier this week, Morocco had deployed army officers, navy speedboats, and drones to the border on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Madrid has stationed more than 1,500 security officers to patrol the area.
Moroccan officials were observed detaining individuals on Saturday.
While the crisis has subsided since its onset in late July, it has generated tensions among EU nations with open borders and drawn criticism of the Spanish government.
Italy, with support from Finland and Denmark, suspended its Schengen arrangement with Spain. The Czech Republic called for Spain's membership to be temporarily suspended, despite Sánchez's clarification that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen area.