Migrant activity at the Ceuta border: Spain sends troops to the region following swimming crossings

Irregular migration activity has increased around the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta (Sebte) in North Africa following rumors that the border had been opened. More than 800 people attempting to swim from the coast of the Moroccan town of Castillejos to Ceuta were intercepted by Moroccan and Spanish patrol boats.

According to Spain's official news agency EFE, the crossing attempts began from the Moroccan coast near Ceuta. It was reported that some of the individuals, identified as Moroccan and Algerian, attempted to reach the city by sea, while others tried to cross by breaching security lines along the coastline.

While Spain's maritime safety and rescue service rescued more than 300 people from the sea, it was reported that the bodies of 2 people were recovered. It was also stated that 117 people were pulled from the water in cooperation with the Spanish Red Cross.

SECURITY MEASURES INCREASED

It was stated that Spanish security forces escorted approximately 200 people with patrol boats, and Moroccan authorities assigned naval units to assist those who could not reach the Spanish coast. Moroccan security forces have increased measures to prevent crossings from the city of Fnideq in the north of the country to Ceuta.

It was reported that some roads in Fnideq were blocked, crowds formed near Ceuta, and some individuals attempted to cross the security fences along the coastline. According to reports in the local press, 18 irregular migrants lost their lives in attempts to cross from the Castillejos coast to Ceuta.

According to the same reports, approximately 1,500 people have crossed from Morocco to Ceuta in the last week, mostly by swimming. However, it was noted that official figures regarding these numbers have not yet been released.

In a report by the Associated Press, it was stated that thousands of people, mostly Moroccans, headed toward the 3-kilometer Tarajal border between Morocco and Ceuta. Juan Jesus Vivas, President of the autonomous city of Ceuta, issued a national emergency call to the central government to deploy more police and soldiers to the border.

The Spanish government is fully committed to providing an emergency response to the situation in Ceuta.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that they are working in coordination with Moroccan and international authorities and that necessary measures are being prepared to “restore normal order as soon as possible.” Sanchez also noted that he discussed the steps taken by the government with the President of the autonomous city of Ceuta, Vivas.

TROOPS TO BE DEPLOYED TO CEUTA

According to Spanish state television TVE, the government has decided to deploy armed forces to Ceuta to ensure security following the increase in migrant crossings.

The statement indicated that in addition to the 60 civil guards serving in border security, 20 personnel were dispatched to the region, and it is planned to deploy two more platoons consisting of a total of 40 personnel in the coming hours.

News Source: 12punto