Morocco prevents illegal entry of some 189 Moroccans into Melillia

Inmates, both male and female, are all Moroccan citizens hailing from the Nador area. Citing Moroccan informants, “El Faro de Melilla” reports intensified security measures in anticipation of potential large-scale migration attempts to Melilla, which could possibly “mar the ambiance of the year-end festivities”.

The border in the occupied city of Sebta is likewise on high alert for possible mass migrant entries, Spanish news service EFE conveys, adding that law enforcement sources stated the Spanish Civil Guard and National Police were “on high alert” and prepared for immediate action; however, no incidents have been reported thus far.

According to EFE, Moroccan authorities have bolstered security within the enclave since December 24th to prevent a major influx, nearly seven months after a significant event in 2021. In May of that year, numerous migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and Morocco swam from Fnideq to the Spanish enclave of Sebta.

Morocco has again heightened its actions against unlawful movement of people and human trafficking. In 2021 alone, Moroccan law enforcement dismantled 150 criminal organizations involved in facilitating illegal migration.

These security operations resulted in the apprehension of 415 individuals suspected of involvement with migrant smuggling rings, along with 12,231 undocumented migrants.